A Freak Among Many {Freya/Open}

[Paine]

Just another shitty day in L.A. My last 2 clients had dropped off on me, and that royally pissed me off. Now I had 2 fucking stolen cars just sitting. Not how I liked my business. I'd heard rumors of another, larger, operation running out of L.A., but so far they kept things nice and quiet. No posting flyers around town recruiting. If only I could find these assholes, either get in good with them or get them gone. My clients weren't talking, more afraid of the muscle this corporation packed than my powers. Ok, fine, fine. Now I have to dump a sweet 99 Vette, and a bright yellow Viper. Sure, paint your car yellow, no one will ever see that coming. Fuck me. I decided the Vette would serve me better in daylight, a little less conspicuous than a stolen, bright yellow Viper. I'd already swapped the plates and tags, and synged off the VIN numbers. She was good for the street, for now.

I had to find a buyer, and fast. But, once again, it's not like I could just take out an add in Variety selling stolen cars. The top was down and I was cruising down Hollywood Boulevard, my eyes wandering to the shops I passed. Why not stop for a latte and a little window shopping? I eased the car into a parking garage, tucked the little ticket in the windshield, armed the alarm and got out. "Stay safe, baby." I patted her hood as I turned and left the parking garage. The sunlight was golden as it streamed down. I adjusted my sunglasses against the glare and headed down the block toward the smell of roasting java beans.

A trendy little cafe sat between two boutiques, perfect for the afternoon shopper, which I seemed to be for the time. I purchased a double shot, skinny latte with caramel and sat sipping it outside. I watched people pass. If you've never just sat somewhere and watched other people, you're missing out. You can see some strange shit sometimes, highly amusing. I witnessed a pimp strong-arming his whore, a couple drug deals, a street walker proposition a group of business men, and countless punks, slobs, bums, and average joes meander on by. Oh, the colorful scenes of L.A.

As I sucked up the dregs of my $7 latte, I stood and debated which shop to try first. Left won, probably due to the display of costume jewelry in the window. I'm a sucker for all things sparkly. Gawdy as these were, they weren't the real thing, still....might be good enough for a heist. I could always pass them off as the originals and keep the real stuff for myself. Or sell it all and get twice my money. Choices, choices.

Once inside I was so wrapped up in piling my arms full of items to try on, I hadn't noticed I was followed. As I slipped into a dressing room to try on my finds, an arm snaked around my waist, another around my throat, one hand covering my mouth. "Mmmphck rrewww?" I muttered beneath a sweaty palm. GROSS! "Shhh. Easy, Paine. Don't want you using your powers in public now do we?" "Fphck fff Chzzz." Again, me mumbling under a sweaty palm. He chuckled, pressed up against me from behind. Unfortunately I could tell that Chaz, a shmuck I'd stiffed more than once and an ex-boyfriend, was all too happy to be there. I wasn't going to stand here with this prick trying to push me around. I reached up, grabbed his arm with both hands and forced it down away from my mouth.

"Fuck off Chaz. I don't have shit for you." She spun me around and pinned me to the wall. "Come on baby, don't be like that. You know we can make it work. You just gotta do what I say, when I say." "Never gonna happen Chaz. Not in a million. Now get your fucking hands off me before..." "Before what? You won't use your powers here. Might be seen. What're you gonna do, scream?" He laughed again, spittle hitting my face. I stared him right in the eye, "Bet me motherfucker." With a thought, I shoved him backwards out of the stall. I ran past him, nearly tripping in my haste and practically flew out of the shop. "There she is! GET HER!" Great, a look across the street showed 2 of Chaz's buddies making a beeline right for me. No way I was going to make it to the car. I shot down an alley, hoping I'd either find a away to double back and attack them from behind, or lose them. If not, I was fucked.

[Freya]

Ah L.A, a place of lost souls and other weird shit that happened, especially if you were a mutant. I left the Anarchy 99 headquarters, located way way away from here, the location known to only A99 members, for a bit of fun in L.A, not to mention check out the hidden arms dealer that had supposedly gotten a new shipment of high tech, illegal weaponry. Vash knew where I was going, we spoke about it last night and I offered. Something about getting their ass kicked by a girl made him highly amused, knowing people got the wrong idea about me. Most thought I was sweet and kind, with the accent from Italy, not to much Italian blood ran through my veins. Anyway, I was kick ass and more than meets the eye, Vash knew firsthand what I could do. Sure I was only half a mutant, but I was still powerful enough to hold my own in a battle against other mutants. There was a way to tap into my dead half, but I didn't know how and wasn't planning on finding out anytime soon.

Whistling as I left my bike standing near a shady little place, I smiled ruefully at the spray painted door before a well placed kick broken the timber in half. "You are?" The guy dressed in a rugged suit looked at me with cold, amber eyes. "Freya." I responded coldly, my booted foot lifted up to rest on the table. "Ah, Vash told me he would send someone." Anger coursed through me at the tone he used when he said 'someone' and flames danced lightly on my fingertips. He squirmed. Good. "I am not just someone asshole. I am also the leader of A99." He flinched, and get this, he went pale. This was too good. "Sorry, erm, didn't know." He mumbled, before pulling out a few pistols and a uzi, which were all modified. I knew my way around guns, and didn't need him telling me the modifications they had. The uzi was more powerful but the aimed sucked because of it. The pistols were rapid fire with high caliber bullets. The butt of the gun was more bigger to compensate for the larger, more deadly bullets.

"I want a batch." I said simply, standing up and heading back towards the door, key spinning in my hands as the fire died down. "They are perfect for the more experienced." Adding to my words because he looked at me strangely, but I was gone, starting the bike with a roar, not even wearing a helmet as I sped down the street. My clothing was leather pants, and a tight top with a leather jacket and boots, all colored black. I was bored, there was nothing much to do so I carried on, surprised at seeing no cops around, but Vash probably tipped them off not to come anywhere near me. Pulling into a park, eyes saw people stare at me and the bike before killing the engine and getting off, slowly so I didn't miss anything. Words on the air fluttered to me, as a mutant my senses all increased, and what I heard made me snarl, a kid screamed at the sound because it sounded so primal, like an ancient dragon. Eyes blazed as I took off down the road, seeing two men chase a girl, er woman, and another that looked like he had been pushed with brute force.

Taking off for the two men, I followed where they headed, down an alleyway, there was no way out. They advanced, and so did I. "Boys, you've fucked off the wrong woman." With my back turned to the street, no one could see me, nor could I see them. "Who the fuck are you?" One sneered, looking at me and making the wrong assumption, like everyone did. "I'm your death." Instantly, as if someone struck a match to my skin, my hands flared up, orange/yellow fire danced without burning my clothing or my body. I threw a ball of fire at him, he fell to the ground screaming in horrific pain, yet only a smile was what I wore as I walked towards him, standing over him. "The Anarchy 99 do not look kindly on stealers." Grabbing the other guy, I pulled keys from his pocket. "You've made the black list. These keys belong to Arick. He ride was taken just over a week ago." Set in the key was a Arick, along with A99 etched in the metal. Dropping him, I took my cell from my pocket and called one number. "Vash, the guys who stole Arick's car, I found them. Taking care of business now." Flipping the phone shut, I looked up to the girl. "Wanna take care of him or should I?"

[Paine]

A wicked grin crossed my face. I wasn't alone. Don't know who this chick was, nor did I care. Her fire ignited my own, my hands rose up before me blazing as if I'd dipped them in gas and lit them on fire. "Got it, thanks." I winked at her. "So, Sammy boy, still running Chaz's errands? Picking up his dry cleaning, that sort of shit?" He scowled at me. "Shut it Paine." He reached inside his jacket, presumably for a gun. I shot a stream of liquid fire at his hand, searing the flesh. "Uh uhn, play fair." I dowsed my fire. He grimaced, cradling his burnt hand. I stepped forward and swung around, bringing my right foot up at an arch and nailing him in the side of the head. Down he went. I kicked him again in the gut, just for emphasis. "Prick."

I patted him down, took his gun, a gold Rolex off his left wrist, a platinum ring set with 3 bagette diamonds, (a carrat each from a glance), and his wallet. He had over 3 grand in cash. "Not bad Sammy. Not bad at all." I split the cash and walked over to the woman in black. "Nice leather." I smiled to her. "Thanks for the save. I'm really sick of dealing with these assholes. Here." I handed her $1500 of the cash I'd snaked from Sammy's wallet. "He'll never miss it. Trust me on that. Name's Paine. You from around here?" How bizarre that I run into another freak with pyrokenetic powers while running from an old flame. Get it, old flame? Heh. Chaz stumbled around the corner then, face flushed with anger. "Ah, Chaz, you're limping. Poor baby." I mocked him. "Fuck you Paine!" He made the mistake of grabbing the other woman, who I'd yet to get a name from. "Uh, Chaz, I wouldn't do that if I were you." He started to tell me to piss off when she fried him, dropping him to the ground.

I walked over to his smoking form. "Told ya so." Looking up to the girl, I smiled again. "Thanks again. Chaz never did learn to keep his hands off other people." I shrugged. "I have lousy taste in men. He's an ex." I nudged Chaz with my boot. "So, what's your story? I mean, obviously these fucks stepped on your toes somewhere. Who's keys? Anarchy what?" I figured if she was going to fry me, she'd have tried already. Good thing about being a pyro, fire doesn't hurt. We can absorb it and use it to our advantage, amping up our own powers. We can also manipulate it, direct it. Still, I was sure I didn't want to get on her bad side. No telling what kind of destruction we'd cause if we battled it out. I'm all for destruction, just not destroying myself in the process. "We better jet. My ride's in the garage down the block." I so did not need the cops on my ass. I had too much riding at the moment to throw away just over a fight with an ex.

[Freya]

"No problem." I winked, allowing her to finish off the second guy while I stretched my limbs, feeling a little bit better, still watched the girl and the guy though in case things turned into a mess. Well, more of a mess. The girl had burnt his hand and a few blinks and the guy was down for the count. "Nice. And hey, no problem." I took the cash she handed and pocketed it, carefully making sure it was secure enough that it wouldn't fall or be noticeable. Patting where it was, it was just smooth, nothing to indicate I had cash on me. Excellent. "I'm Freya. And sort of, its a long story." L.A was where I lived for a little bit after running from home, before I joined the Anarchy 99. Those years were long and bits were blanked from memory, which I supposed was okay, it was probably bad. Fights I knew were common while on the street, and I knew L.A. Which was another reason Vash was okay in letting me roam around here when I wanted to.

My wrists were grabbed, the guy named Chaz obviously didn't get Paine's meaning, fine for me, bad for him. My body flared up with fire, scorchingly hot before he let go, fried. Tampering down my fire before it flickered off, I clicked my neck and glared at him, my eyes cold. "Next time, you better fucking listen." Clicking my fingers to get her attention, I began walking, trying to figure out the best way to answer her. "Sorry for the clicking." I sighed softly and turned around. "Those who steal from Anarchy 99, they die. Simple. Those keys belonged to Arick, his ride was custom built by him and his father and was stolen last week by those goons." Arick was a high ranking member, one of my best friends in the group. If I wasn't with Vash, he would be taking care of me and making sure I didn't get into trouble. But as Vash's girl, he didn't dare try and do that for fear of Vash thinking his girl was being taken from him. Guys have fucked up minds sometimes.

"Anarchy 99. You've seen the logo around. Cars, bikes, cafes, even stores. We are all around." Pulling up my shirt, I showed a symbol(like the custom star we have lol), which was the symbol to our group. What I didn't tell her was the weapons and other dealings, she wasn't a member so she didn't have that privilege for knowing that information. Yet she could know a little bit. "We are more than what meets the eye." Oh yes, cryptic, although I knew she wasn't with the cops, or they would be here by now. "I can meet you somewhere if you want. I've got my bike and I'm not leaving it to get stolen." Rounding the corner as I began to walk again, I nodded to the shiny black motorcyle still parked. "One of the perks of being a leader." I winked, hand raised to rub the back of my neck.

[Paine]

"Cool. My place is close. And I know where your friends car will be stashed. A perk for doing business with sleezeballs like those guys. 97th and 5th, number 223. I own the building. Pull around back, there's an indoor garage. Your ride will be safe there. See you in a min, Freya!" I winked, somewhat stunned to find myself so friendly with another female. I was generally much more of a bitch. But Freya had shown up at a good time, and saved my ass. Not to mention we had similar traits. Maybe it was like some weird mutant bonding. Whatever.

I ran to the parking garage, unarmed the alarm and slipped inside. The Vette roared to life, then settled to a nice, even purr. I slammed it into reverse and spun out toward the gate. Huh, only $3.50 for parking for approximately 20 minutes. What a rip off. I threw the change at the attendant and peeled out, heading for home. I gunned in down back streets, lets traffic at this hour, and made it home in time to open up the garage for Freya, who was just pulling in on her bike. "Nice ride!" I hollered as she pulled in. Damn, I should've thrown a tarp over the Viper. I hadn't changed out the places and tags yet. It was obviously stolen. At least I knew it wasn't one of her's. This was from a Wall Street wannabe. A former client from my stripping days. Still, I didn't like to have stolen shit lying out in the open.

I armed the alarm on the Vette, out of habit, and headed for the elevator. I held the grated doors for Freya. "Anarchy 99, yeah, sounds familiar. Probably not ringing too large of a bell cause I've never nicked anything with that symbol." I giggled. She knew by now I was a thief, as to how big of a thief, that was still up to questioning. But seeing me rip off Sammy in seconds flat with no remorse, that's a pretty good clue you're dealing with a thief. "Guess it was a good thing too. Seeing as Sammy won't be doing too many heists for a while." So glad that wasn't me.

The elevator stopped at the top, and I pulled the grate open. "Home sweet home." I chimed, leading her into a large open space at the top of the warehouse. Curtains hung, dividing the spaces into separate rooms. Windows covered all 4 walls, sunlight streaming in. A black velvet bag sat on one of my chairs, and I knew there was at least a million dollars worth of jewels in there. "Shit. Sorry about the mess, the maids haven't been by in a while." I shot her a smirk so she knew I was kidding as I scooped up the bag. I had a gun safe against one wall. Spinning the dial, I entered the combination, pulled it open and dropped the bag in. I also slipped Sammy's Rolex, gun, and ring in the safe, along with a grand of the $1500 I kept for myself.

"Pull up a chair, make yourself at home and all that shit. Can I get you a beer or something?" I poked my head in the fridge to see what all I had to offer. "Got a bottle of red in here, water, apple juice, soda. That's about it. What's your pleasure?" I pulled out the bottle of wine and nicked a glass from the counter. I popped the cork and filled my glass 3 three quarters, grabbed Freya's drink and went to join her. "So, what can you tell me about Anarchy 99. I'm assuming there's some secrecy, and that's cool. Just tell me what I can know. Enough to keep me out of trouble with you guys." I grinned. Maybe I wanted in. "And you know, ask me whatever." I sipped my wine, leaning back in my chair and toeing off my boots.

[Freya]

"I'll be there." I promised, taking out my cell again and texting the Vash to let him know everything was cool, before pocketing the phone and starting the engine again as it roared to life. I never got tired of hearing that sound as I grinned and flipped one leg over, revving, before taking off, tires spinning, leaving a mark before I was headed down the road, the wind whipped through my hair, ignoring everything as it was just me, the bike and the road. Soon, I came to the building, where Paine was just before me opening the garage as I slowed down to a halt. "My pride and joy." I winked before heading into the elevator, wondering what was going to happen. Normally when I went into an unknown place, I was ready for a fight. It was natural. But here it felt different, there was no hostility. Maybe it was because we were both mutants, with both fire power. I didn't know, and I didn't really wish to find out either.

I laughed softly at her words when we were in the large open space that was her home. There was no way I was going to repeat whatever was said or seen in here, that was a code we all had unless we were in danger. Of that I doubted I was in danger so this would never be mentioned again. This woman was a thief, but as long as she didn't steal from us, we would be fine. Besides, I was already thinking of plans for this woman, her talents would be useful. "Thanks, and the red please." I wasn't huge on drinking beer so the wine would do perfectly. Besides, wine was more my taste, beer was the guys. "Thanks." I took my glass and took a sip, feeling the smooth taste before I swallowed. "It is secret, mostly, and I cannot tell you much unless you are one of us. The rules are simple. Don't screw with us, don't steal from us, don't try and rip us off. There are enforcers in the group that are more powerful than I am and will not hesitate to rip someone into pieces." I paused, wondering if I should offer her a chance to join us.

"I can offer a position in the group. You just need to pass a test, and when we get back, granted you pass it, Vash will talk to you." Taking another sip, I pondered, wondering what kinda questions to ask before one hit. "How long have you been a thief? I have nothing against that, I'm just curious. As for another question, when did you learn of your powers?" Yes, I was curious, hopefully she wouldn't hold that against me, after all, she did say to ask whatever. I occupied myself while waiting for her answer by taking a few more, slow sips, of the wine, enjoying the smooth and rich taste, and the fact I wasn't drinking to get drunk or anything. I wasn't an alcoholic, it was just more easier for me to get drunk than others think. I think its because I don't drink too much anyway, but I never exactly took a test for it or anything.

[Paine]

"Hmmm, sounds interesting. Ok, I'm in. Providing I pass this test of yours." I leaned forward, clinking my glass with Freya's in a toast. I lifted the glass to my lips and swallowed a bit of the fragrant bouquet. I thought about other tests I'd been put through over the years. Not just in the institution, but trying out for small time gangs. Not gangs like you're thinking. We didn't deal with drugs, at least I didn't. It started small, jewelry stores, pawn shops, and the like. Then it progress to museums full of priceless artifacts, boosting cars, bank heists. The bigger the hit, the better the payoff. Ah, and now for the personal stuff.

"Let's see. Well, I was adopted after being thrown away by my mother. Literally. I was dumped behind a clinic. They took me in for a bit, then I was eventually placed in an agency. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones, since I was adopted at 3 years old by the Sepias. When I was five, I started manifesting telekenetic powers. Floating my toys to me from across the room, little things. No one noticed at first, but pretty soon, if I was in a mood, things went flying, crashing. My foster parent's couldn't deal with having a mutant freak for a kid, but the paychecks from the state kept them from doing away with me entirely. Instead, they placed me in an institution for freaks. Daily tests, weekly psych visits, all the fun shit." I paused, taking a sip from my wine. Least Freya didn't seem bored out of her skull yet.

"At 16, I started to show pyrokenetic abilites. Word to the wise, don't piss off a teenaged, developing pyro. We'll burn the joint to the ground!" I laughed. "I almost did too. Roasted 3 nurses, and numerous other staff members suffered 2nd & 3rd degree burns. Sprinkler system shut me down. That and I didn't have control over my new abilities yet. Once I hit 18, I split. Never bothered to check in on the fosters. What did they care anyway? I was just a paycheck to them for 15 years. I hitched to L.A., started stripping under the name of Rose, got mixed up with some shady people. Started small, little jobs, you know. Got higher up in the biz, started boosting cars, knocking up museums and banks after hours. Got good too. Good enough to buy out the rest of the suckers in town and make a name for myself. Those that I couldn't buy out, well, I took care of them." I grinned at Freya, sure she got my meaning.

I was about to go on, or perhaps ask her something myself when my phone rang, a trilling chirp from the end table to my right. "Fuck, just a sec, could be business." I flashed her a big smile and flipped open my phone. "Paine, go." The voice on the other end was distorted, filtered. Whoever it was didn't want to be identified. I snuck a look at the caller ID, and as I suspected it was a blocked number. Great. "Good afternoon Paine. We've been trying to track you down for some time now. I know you're looking for your family. And guess who we have right here? That's right your father." "Quit fucking around asshole. Who are you and what the hell do you want?" A chuckle at the other end, distorted by the electrostatic. "Why, we want you of course. We want to reunite you with your birth father. See if your powers are anything like his. Why don't you come pay us a visit?" "Like hell." "Now now, Paine, you haven't even heard our offer. We know who your mother is, and she's next. Then we're going after your half sister. Didn't know you had siblings did you?" More laughter. I stood up, pacing. "Look fuckwad, spit it out, or give it up. I'm not playing." "Ok, ok, no need to get hasty now. Third and Sunset, then take a right at 9th Ave. Head to the Hilton parking lot. An attendant by the name of Murphy will park your car for you. Don't worry he works for us." Oh yeah, that was comforting. "At the front desk, pick up an envelope for Rose. I told you we've been looking for you. Inside is a note and a room key. We'll be waiting." "What the fuck do you want from me you piece of shit? You think I'm just gonna come running because of some wackjob phone call? When I get my hands on you, you're... FUCK!" I had rambled to a dead line, he'd disconnected. I threw my phone across the room, shattering it as it struck the concrete wall. Objects around the room trembled and shivered, rising with my anger. I raked my hands through my hair, pulling it back and away from my face, taking a deep breath and forcing myself to calm down. Things in the room settled, and I turned back to look at Freya.

"Sorry about that. Looks like I have some business to attend to. I don't know what all you heard, but you're welcome to come along." Most mutants had better than average hearing, and I wouldn't doubt that Freya had heard it all. In fact, I kinda hoped she had. I marched to the gun safe, spun the combo and yanked it open. I didn't really need the firepower, since I was packing my own straight from my DNA, but something about a gun really intimidated folks. I reached for a Browning High Power 9mm, rammed a full clip home, and another in my pocket. I shoved the gun in the back of my jeans, grabbed another cell phone and slipped it in the pocket opposite the extra clip. I slammed the safe and stomped into my boots. "Here, you drive." I tossed Freya the keys to the Vette and opened the elevator. "Providing I make it out of this alive, I'll take your test." Right now, it was time for business.

[Freya]

Figuring there may have to be a little bit more convincing going on, her words shocked me when she said she was in, a small smile spread along my lips in response, and truly did I hope she passed the test. Paine would be a great addition to the Anarchy 99. "Excellent." I toasted, clinking the glass with Paine and taking another sip as she began to speak, I listened with rapt attention. "At least you were adopted, thats the main thing. Better that than staying at some orphanage. Not that I would know." I added quickly. I was never thrown away as she put it, I lived with my mom until I ran from home. "That bites you know." Shivering at the thought of being in an institution and having tests scared me. I loved freedom, and being in a place where you couldn't have that same freedom like everyone else, it was hellish to think. One reason why I wouldn't be able to handle prison or anything. Not that they could hold me anyway.

Listening as she finished her story, I was pretty impressed. She took care of herself, like I did when leaving home. We were similar in ways and it shocked me, thinking about it. But you know, I was glad to have met her. "Despite having it rough, you take care of yourself. Your stronger because of it." I knew that much, maybe if things were different, we wouldn't be sitting and talking to one another, I wouldn't have invited her a position in A99 if she passed the test. For once, I was pretty happy how things in life turned out. "No problem." I added, looking towards the ground as the voice on the other line spoke, voice distorted. Being a mutant like I was, I could hear it, sending chills down my spine, when Paine continued to talk before the line went dead, and she swore. When things in the room started moving, the phone that shattered when it hit the wall, its broken pieces quivering in the air, I stood, allowing my fire to envelope me in a sort of fiery shield if they came near me. Thankfully, Paine calmed down.

"No need, I'd be the same." Calming down my racing heart, the fire died down as Paine went to the gun safe to get a few weapons, which I didn't need as in my boot was a knife and hidden in my belt was a modified pistol. Yet I half hoped I didn't want to use it. I preferred my own fire ability most times. "You may not know your parents or even siblings. But the way that guy said shes next doesn't bode well with my paranoia. I'm not letting some innocent get hurt cos some jackass wants to play a game like this." Getting my phone out again, I dialed HQ before speaking. "Freya here, listen, something has come up." I repeated the address to them, in case somehow I got killed which I doubted, this was just a precaution. I didn't mention why I was going, just the address. "Look. If I die in this, then you can avenge me. The satellite can find me, dead or alive. Do not come unless I'm dead. This is just a precaution." The guy responded, before hanging up. Both Vash and I always had to do this when going into potentially dangerous situations.

"I'm coming with." I caught the key, stepping into the elevator and heading downwards. "If I die and you survive, the Anarchy 99 will take you in if you wish. You will be safe there." The elevator stopped and we both walked out, disarming the Vette before jumping in and starting her up. Driving her was a dream, and we began to head towards the address, pre battle nerves hit me like a truck and I just itched to fight and hurt, knowing there could be innocent people involved. This is where I differed from some people, like Vash. He wouldn't care, they were strangers to him. But these people could be family to Paine, and already she was someone I was fast caring for. In no time at all it seemed, we reached the place and I took a glance over at Paine. "You okay? Lets do this. I'm here with you, I'll fight beside you." It was time to face whatever came, I was in this as much as Paine was.

[Paine]

"Yeah I don't like it either. I may not know my real family, but I sure as hell am not going to take threats against them sitting down." I liked Freya, she was a tough chick, one I could relate to. I cast a glance at Freya as the elevator went down. "You're tracked by a satellite? That's kinda freaky." I grinned as I said it, cause actually, it was pretty cool. "You're not dying in there. No way am I gonna live that one down, Anarchy 99 or not." Yeah I could see them taking real good care of me, after I get their leader killed. Not a situation I wanted to put myself in. We pulled in the designated parking lot in minutes flat. I stopped staring out the window and looked at Freya. "Yeah, peachy. Hey, thanks, for you know, coming with. I've got a sinking feeling I could use a friend in there." Yeah, it's true. Little Miss Antisocial Paine considered Freya a friend. Call it kismet.

As Freya pulled up to the lobby, an attendant in a red vest, barely 17 years old, if that, came out to park the car for us, but was immediately waved aside by another, older male in a blue vest. "Here's our boy." Already I had a plan forming. "Do me a favor, once I step out of the car, park it somewhere else, across the street, whatever. I don't trust these assholes. I'll meet you in the lobby." I flashed her a charming smile, then turned it onto the guy in the blue vest as he opened my door for me. "Thank you so very much." I batted my eyes at him. "Oh, wait, forgot something." I leaned over back into the car, smiled at Freya and threw my right leg back with added telekentic force, right into his groin. "GO!" I shouted to Freya before slamming the door. He dropped instantly, mouth moving but no sound coming out. "Whoopsie, darn heels." With a look at the red vested attendant, he shot his hands up in the air, surrendering. "I didn't see shit I swear. He was like that when I came off break. They don't pay me enough for this crap." I smiled, kissing him on the cheek as I sauntered in the front doors. "You're a prince." I swear he blushed.

At the front desk was a very bored looking woman, mid-30's I'd say. "Hey, got a message for Rose?" She didn't look too chipper as she dug through a pile of papers on her desk, finally pulling out a manilla envelope and handing it to me. "Thanks doll." There was a bar to the left, and a stiff drink would help calm my jangling nerves. As it was, I was barely holding back my teke. One little thing to set me off now, and the whole place could go up in flames. At least Freya would survive that. Come to think of it, it was odd how similar our powers were. I got a scotch on the rocks at the bar and sat near the end, watching the front doors. "Make it two." I called back to the bartender, who slid me another drink as Freya entered the lobby. I stuck my thumb and forefinger in my lips and whistled. "Freya!" I waved my scotch in the air at her as she came toward me. "Let's take a seat in back?" I picked up both our drinks and followed Freya to a dark corner booth.

Sliding her the second scotch, I tore into the envelope. "So far they're good on their word." I muttered as a room key slapped onto the table. I lifted it with shaking hands. "Fuck, I'm nervous as hell." I took a deep breath as I pocketed the key, then sipped the scotch. "Not really a heavy drinker, I mean I can hold my own, but I needed something to keep me steady." I looked to Freya for understanding and found it in her eyes. Her gaze alone seemed to steady me somewhat. Maybe it was another one of her abilities, who knew? I scooted closer to her as I leafed through the documents enclosed in the envelope, giving her a good view of them as well. In bold across the top of the first sheaf of paper was my name, or mostly my name.

Alice Paine Dresden Dresden? So that was my surname by birth. Whether it was my mother's or my father's, I didn't yet know, maybe another one of the papers would fill me in. Below my name was some statistics, 4 months in Westerbirge Clinic, then off to Olima's Adoption Agency, adopted by the Sepia's, blah blah blah. That was all shit I knew already. I shifted that paper to the back and eyed the next page. This page outlined my powers. Great, so they knew what I could do, and I still had no idea who I was dealing with.
Telekenetic, level 7
Pyrokenetic, level 5
Armored skin
Flight through teke

I wasn't sure what the levels meant, so I looked a Freya with a raised eyebrow. "Level 7? Level 5? Is that good, you think?" Further down the page, it listed several 'behavioral issues'. Deeming me antisocial (no shit!), a sociopath, and having anxiety/panic disorder. Nothing new there. On to the third page. Aha! Paydirt. In bold were the names of my parents, and a half sister. I read them aloud. "Markus William Gregori, paternal. Mutant, telekenetic with psionic abilities. Raven Alexandra Dresden, maternal. Mutant, telekenetic/pryokenetic, armored skin, flight through teke. Fayth Dresden, half-sibling, maternal." I dropped the papers, picked up the scotch and downed it in one gulp. "Well, there it is. My real parents. And a half sister." I pulled the room key from my pocket. Room 210. I toyed with it for a minute, stuffed the papers back into the envelope, stood, rolled up the envelope and shoved it in my back pocket. "Time to see what's behind door number 2, or rather 210." I tossed a couple bucks on the table, and headed to the elevator with Freya. Whatever happened next, I was glad to have her at my side.

[Freya]

"I understand." I said those words because I really did understand, not just saying it to try and make things better. "Yea, it helps when one gets lost or injured and we can't find them." I shot her a half grin, before continuing. "And you're not dying either. I'm gonna make sure of that. And hey, its okay. Anytime." I meant those words too, taking a deep breathe and steadying myself, and then red vest and blue vest came out. I'm calling them cos I don't know their real names and thats the color of their vests. One was red, the other blue. It was only fitting. When Paine kicked the guy in the blue vest, and shouted the word go, I was driving off, gunning it through the streets and right into a parking lot far enough that no one would get it, but close enough to run to it if needed. Unbuckling the seat belt, I killed the engine and stepped out, shutting the door, locking it and setting the alarm. I didn't want Paine to kill me if her ride was nicked.

Trotting back to the hotel, carefully checking my weapons before pulling the jacket tighter around my body, I saw the kid in the red vest, and I had to talk to him. "Listen, do me one thing. If you hear fighting, run. Get out of here and don't look back." I would feel bad if he was killed so with my instructions said and done, it was time to find Paine, which was easy since the woman inside pointed me to where she was when I described Paine to her. Heading into the bar, hearing a whistle directed me over to where Paine was, before we were both walking to a dark booth, taking my scotch off her so I could take a sip while she read what was inside the envelope. This was hers to find out so I leaned back, enjoying my drink which was also doing the trick of steadying my own nerves, wanting to know what she found but feeling slightly intrusive if I spoke up, so instead, my mouth was zipped shut. "I would be nervous too." I looked up into her eyes, understanding what she was meaning about the drinks, I was nothing short on being understanding.

What shocked me was when she scooted closer so I could see the pages, spotting the name in bold letters. "Alice huh? So Paine isn't your real name, but your middle." There was no malice in my voice, really, we were the same. Freya wasn't my real name either, not that I had reason to say it otherwise, which was probably like Paine. Except, you know, Freya wasn't my middle name. And the other thing that shocked me, was her last name. I started shaking, knowing what that name meant, but afraid to speak outloud. Dresden was my last name which meant we were family. The similar powers should have clued me in, the understanding and the way we got along. And judging from her list of abilities, she was a full mutant of the family. And I was still the half mutant freak. "I think its good. The higher the level, the powerful you are I think. Not too sure on that." My tone of voice was as if my mind was distracted, and I was in a daze, literally.

"Wait!" I couldn't let her go to that room yet, not without saying something, anything! "I-" What could I say? From what those papers said, she was, she was my half sister. I didn't know what to do or what to say. Except. "I know Raven Alexandra Dresden." I sighed, defeated. It now explained my mothers actions in trying to keep me safe from the elders in the family. "And I know why you were 'dumped' as you call it. Raven couldn't bare to let you suffer at the hands of the Dresden family. It was said that a daughter born of Raven would be half, a seer told her, and the Dresden's look down on half mutants. So to keep you safe, you had to be protected because you were her daughter. She felt so guilty about it." My voice choked up with emotion before I got a grip and continued. "I know this, because I am Fayth Dresden. I am the half mutant in the family, the hated and hunted." I stood, and began to walk. "Now you know, lets go see whats behind that door." I didn't want to talk about it anymore. Just thinking about everything made me want to drown myself in that scotch. No such luck there though.

[Paine]

I shrugged, halfway to the elevator, still thinking about the levels listed next to my powers. "Not like I ever cared much about grades anyway." I smirked. Lucky for us, the elevator was clear when the doors opened and we stepped inside. "I hate these things, they make me claustrophobic." I punched the button for the second floor as the doors closed. I was still on edge, but not as shaky, more in control thanks to the scotch. We came to a stop and the doors dinged open. The hallway was clear. "Must be the off season." I muttered, resisting the urge to draw my gun. We walked carefully down the hall, checking our backs and other doors as we passed 205, 206, 207. I could see the door to 210 when Freya's call to wait startled me.

I turned to her, hand on my hip, irritation in my voice, not at her, but at the day in general. "For what? The cavalry? We're it, honey." I sighed, dropping my hand. "Sorry. I'm edgy." It was the truth, I hadn't meant to take out my frustrations on Freya. Especially since she seemed to have trouble with whatever it was she was going to say. I wanted to blurt, 'You know my mother!?!', but my mouth just hung open as she spoke. I don't think I blinked until she finished. A split second of sibling rivalry flared up in my mind. If they dumped me to protect the half mutant, and SHE was the half mutant, SHE should have been dumped, not me! I closed my eyes, turned away from Freya and ran my hands over my face. "You've got to be kidding me." I knew she wasn't. "I cannot believe this day. It just gets better and better." When I opened my eyes, flames danced along my peripheral vision, a sure sign that I was close to blowing. Literally.

I turned back to Freya, who was ringed in fire in my vision. "Look, whoever's behind that door wants you too. They said our mother was next, and then you. Are you SURE you're in this with me? Nevermind, stupid question. Let's go." Of course she was in, better to take them out now, if they were after her anyway. "Fuck it. Fuck it all." I stomped to the door, raised my arms and blasted it in with my teke. Two guys stood in the middle of the room, a third was in a heap on the floor, knocked out from the force of my teke blast. The unconscious guy had the definte look of a body guard about him. I stepped into the room, Freya at my side. "Where is he? Where's my father?" I demanded. One of the men standing reached into his sports jacket and pulled a gun. "Sorry, no guns." I waved a hand at him, knocking the gun from his grip with more teke. "Sit." Another flick of my wrist send him on his ass right on the bed. "Stay. Good boy." I strode forward, toward the last man standing. "You, spill. Where is he?" As if in answer to my question a loud thump followed by muffled yell. The man before me smiled in a way that made me grind my teeth.

"Well now Alice, so good of you to join us. And I see you've brought your half-sister, Fayth." Flames came to life, engulfing my palms, my teke forgotten, overridden by the pyro. "Who the fuck are you, anyway?" He raised his hands, as if in supplication. "Consider me a friend. I happen to know so much about you. About you both." His gaze shifted to Freya. "My friend quota's all filled up. Touch her and I'll gut you." I did NOT like the way he looked at Freya. Since my teke was shut down while my pyro was active, I'd momentarily forgotten about the guy on the bed. He rolled of, scooped his gun from the floor, aimed at Freya and fired. "NO!" Stamping down my pyro, I reached for my teke, deflecting the bullet from hitting Freya. I side-stepped backward, standing in front of her as the second shot rang out. My skin crawled along my bones, hardening. It had only happened once before, I had no idea how to make it work, but was damn thankful it seemed to know it was an ability I needed right now. The second bullet hit me, but I felt nothing, grinning as it plunked to the carpet. "I thought I said no guns." I shot a hand out at him, using my teke to rip his gun from his hand and propel it to mine. I shoved the gun in the waistband of my jeans. "Freya, they're all yours."

I moved to the bathroom, staring at the door, finding it's weak spot. Once I located it, I kicked out, the door flying open. Inside, there was a man, with my eyes staring back out at me, bound and gagged in the bathtub. "Dad? Markus?" He nodded furiously. I stepped into the room, rushed to him and began untying the gag, helping him to sit up. "Alice! Thank god you're safe." I grimaced at the name, working at untying his bonds. "I don't go by that name. I'm Paine." He nodded, rubbing his wrists where ropeburn had formed. "Come on. Let's move." I slid a hand under his arm, helping him from the tub and into the main room. Freya had taken care of the other two men, as I knew she would. "Your mother, is she?....She's safe?" I barked a laugh. "I wouldn't know, ask her." I gestured to Freya just as a radio on the still unconscious body guard buzzed to life, the voice coming through announcing they were on their way up now. "No time for a happy family reunion, gotta go, now!" We ran from the room, down the hall. "Stairs!" I yelled as the elevator door dinged open. Armed men poured out just as we rounded the corner and burst into the stairwell. I pulled the confiscated gun from my waistband and passed it to Markus. "You know how to use one of these, right? Point and pull the trigger?" I didn't wait for an answer, we were almost at the first floor.

Daylight came pouring through high windows has we exited into the lobby, running all out for the door. "Freya, take the lead!" I slowed to run behind her, Markus between us. She should lead us out, after all, she parked the car. "We've got to get him somewhere safe, then I can take you to Chaz's hideout, get your friend's car back. Hope you know a place!" We ran across the parking lot, weaved through oncoming traffic as we crossed the street, oblivious to horns honking at us for interupting the flow of cars. I practically shoved Markus into the back seat, climbing in the passenger side and slamming the door. "Stay low, they might try to follow us." I told Markus as Freya started the engine and took us on the road. I rolled down the window, drew my gun, clicked off the safety, and kept watch as we zipped out of there. No one was on our tail, yet.

[Freya]

"No, I am not kidding. Wish I were though. This is just too much." If she was close to blowing, she had no idea what my own power was doing. It itched along my body, flaring up and dying down, a sure sign I was on edge and emotional, part of me wanted to ditch Paine and nurse my emotional wounds, because you don't just forget when family thats supposed to care for you ends up calling you a freak and trying to kill you. But the other part wanted to stay, technically she was my older sister, I wasn't about to let her go in by herself. And she was right, they wanted me too. I wasn't about to leave, if they knew me they would find me. It wasn't hard anyway. If my group could find me, so could they. Wait, group? Tilting my head, I heard the sounds of a chopper, no human could hear it but it was there, a steady sound in the outside background noise. "We aren't the cavalry." My lips pulled back into a cold smile. I knew that chopper!

Walking in, I took a moment to glance around, surveying the surroundings. Two guys in the middle, plus one on the floor thanks to Paine. "See, be thankful you ain't half a mutant." I muttered, still pissed off about the half mutant thing. Yea yea, call me pathetic or whatever, but that was one reason why I ran from home. Walking up to Paine, I stood next to her, glaring at the guy who was staring at me. "You and Vash both." I snickered to Paine. Vash would rip this guy limb from limb for looking at me like that. "What about me?" I snapped, stepping closer, ready to fry him if needed. Hearing the gunshot ring out, I ducked, hands erupting into fire before realizing that Paine had deflected the bullet, and I began to calm down. Placing one hand up to stop evil eyes from moving, I stared as the second bullet whizzed through the air, hitting Paine but no effect. The tough, armor like skin. Fuck. This is all I needed. Another one around to prove my own worthlessness. As soon as we got outta here, I was going. I severed all ties with the family because of this, I had no issues doing it again.

"Good." I grabbed the guy that tried shooting me, throwing him towards the other one who looked at me with creepy eyes. Tilting my head back, my hair cascaded down my back as I smiled, more cold and more cruel, because two things happened. One, the chopper had landed on the rooftop, and two, the fire still danced upon my skin leaving my hands free. "Listen here. What do you know about me?" I demanded to know, and I wouldn't leave him alive no matter his answer. "Your mother misses you, and has severed ties with your family to find you. Your own power is accelerating in power, it seems that having only one ability your body can focus on that. I know what you want, and what you wish. You have been of interest, same with your half sister. Power dating back to generations of yore." He grinned before coughing as I kicked him in the stomach, my hands went pyro. "You can become a full mutant. Just kill-"

I was done listening and set my hands to their bodies, torching them where they lay, their screams bounced off the walls. "I am not going to kill." That and I didn't know if I could believe him anyway, him being the enemy and all. These guys would live, but with very serious burns for the rest of their lives unless those boys on the roof got to them. I snorted at hearing Paine's fathers question about mother being safe since I had no idea, and found it hard not to think of her now. It would have to wait though, we took off running, just as a door smashed open, two elite members of Anarchy 99 came our way. "Go Freya!" The called, I listened and poured on the speed, making my way to the outside and to the car, thats all that mattered now. "Taking the lead!" I jumped down stairs and made my way to the front of the group, smashing through the door and the red vest guy took off too, listening to my words earlier. Good kid!

Pouring on the speed, my limbs ached as we reached the car, disarming the alarm and unlocking the door as I slipped into the front and started the engine as Paine threw Markus into the back and came into the front. Putting my foot on the gas pedal, we were off, sounds of people cursing at me as I cut into the traffic, shaking my head at what Paine had said. "Listen here full blood." I gritted my teeth as my energy was sapped from the day. And the use of full blood was another test to my annoyance. "I was just going to leave after this you know. I can't deal having another full blood family member around. If you could see my memories, you would know me and my family are not on great terms. Most want me dead, my own father included, then again sometimes I think he was brainwashed." I paused for breathe, turning into a semi dead street, still at high speed. "Mom was okay. The seer was wrong about the first born being half, and realizing it when she had me, ten years later, she refused to make the same mistake twice."

"But I couldn't leave even if I tried. Your my older sister, half sister or not, full blooded mutant or not. And that is why we are not going to your place, or any other place, and you can give the directions to one of the guys. We are going to an Anarchy 99 safe house. Not the official headquarters, but we can contact Vash from there for emergency transportation. I can get him to find our mother if you wish, it won't take too long." I glanced out the window. "On our tail Paine!" I called, hearing the gunfire as Paine started shooting and I had to admit, she was a pretty good shot! "Markus, get my cell from my pocket." I felt a hand snake into my pocket, pulling out my phone. "Speed dial 8." He did and it rang before someone picked up. "Hey, on the way to based L.A. We need backup and support. This is Freya." I heard commands being issued, and the guarantee that we would be met up with a few people in bikes and cars. After that was done, all we had to do was meet up with the Anarchy 99 and head back to the safe house.

[Paine]

I stopped watching things from the window and turned to gape at Freya. I found my voice by the time she was done speaking. "Excuse the fuck out of me half breed, but I didn't ask for this either! You think I had a peachy life? I was DUMPED! Thrown away, Fayth. Like fucking garbage. I don't care what the reasons behind it were...." She cut me off, at the same time a shot rang out behind us. "Oh fuck me." I turned in the seat. "Markus, do what she says but stay low. God, if they tag this car, I'm so fucked. It's hot, and I lost the buyer." All the while I ranted I was shooting, leaning half out of the open window. I felt the armor tickle along my skin. Great, I was safe from getting shot, but what about the car?!? The Vette was highly modified, and I could fetch a huge wad of cash for it on the market, if I ever found another buyer. And that price tag did not include bullet holes.

I'll admit, I've got decent aim. I shot out the front tires of the first car on our tail, and nearly annihilated the windshield. "Screw this. Freya, gimme your hand." I dropped the gun into the seat and reached for her hand. "Fire me, Freya, NOW!" I directed my other hand out the window, aimed at the Hum V following us. No 9mm was gonna do much damage to that thing. But Freya's and my powers combined, you better believe that was gonna cause some serious fireworks. I felt her power rush up my arm, like sticking it in an oven turned on high. My vision swam in flames, fire coursed down my other arms. A burst of flame shot out from my palm and hit the Hum V dead on. An explosion sounded behind us, rocking the Vette a little. "Damn, now THAT was fucking wicked." Sparks danced in Freya's hair, on my fingertips. The car seemed undamaged, at least inside. I hadn't heard a bullet hit the body, so I prayed I was right.

"Look," I said, settling down. "I don't want our fucked up lives and past to damage the friendship we were forming. It's not your fault, or mine. We can play with the cards we were dealt, or we can bitch about it. I don't give a shit who's got what powers, half, whole, whatever. If you want to leave, fine. Pull over, let me out, and go on your merry little way. I haven't heard shit about Anarchy 99. Freya, who?" I popped the clip on my gun, checked it, slammed it back home. "If your gonna stick around, then we gotta hash this shit out, and now. Before we both blow off the fiery end and incinerate the whole block."

A chuckle from the back seat made me turn to glare at Markus, the man who was supposedly my father. "And you! Where the hell were you all my life? How the fuck do I even know you're my real father? I'm almost thirty years old, what the hell should any of this matter to me now anyway?" The laughter died in his eyes. "I'm sorry Al...Paine. You two fight like siblings, that's all. And Paine, you have my eyes." He stared hard into mine, and it was like my eyes staring back at me from a manly mirror. "Yeah, so what?" I muttered and turned back around in my seat to face front. A throat cleared in the back seat and I rolled my eyes. "What I mean is this, what you did to that Hum Vee? Don't you see it, girls? Together, your powers are greater. Fayth, ahem, I mean Freya, your powers aren't halved, just latent. You still carry the genes. But it's your pyrokenetic abilities that are active. Paine, how many times have you tried to use multiple gifts at once?" I didn't answer, I was thinking, trying to remember if I ever had. "Well?" Markus prompted. "I was thinking. Never. At least, not that I can recall. I can only tap into one at a time. And how do you know all this anyway? You a freak doctor or something, Dad?" I said the last with added sarcasm.

"Something like that, yes. I'm a genetic engineer with a PhD in mutant biological studies. In other words, it's my job to know and study these things." Great, just fucking great. "Oh, so like, in your spare time, you cut up other freaks and test us and shit. Fun. Been there, done that, not too found of your job title." Freya was pulling in somewhere, and I hoped like hell it was our destination, because I was done with this conversation. I began to wish I'd never answered that phone call, never rescued my father. Hell, at this point, I was back to wishing I'd never been born.

[Freya]

"At least you were safe." I growled, giving her my hand as my own power flowed through me and into her, causing an explosion from behind us. My eyes swam, I slowed the car down so I didn't lose control and crash, yet a slow smile played along my lips. "It was wicked." I admitted, sighing as she started talking again. "Good, because I don't want it to ruin the friendship either. Although to get rid of this anger and shit, we could spare sometime." Letting one hand stray from the wheel, I rubbed the side of my head, thinking. "I'm not leaving sis. You have me until you decide you no longer want me." Besides, she wasn't going to get out of it that easily now was she? "Uh Paine, he is your dad. You both have similar traits, but if you still aren't sure, then we can easily do a DNA test if you want." Slowing the car down, two motorcycles came roaring towards us, the members of A99 were here and about time. They would escort us so no one else followed.

"Look, I'm betting it was the Dresden family that started all this shit. Trust me Paine, your better off not knowing them. And Markus, I like my fire power, I am not complaining." I grinned again. "But that was too cool, you wanna try it again sometime?" I asked Paine before we reached the safe house gates, the guard opened up the gates for us so we didn't have to do a thing, before we were rolling up the drive slowly, parking just outside a water fountain. "You aren't kidding are you Markus? Well remember, he is a mutant." I added to Paine, before getting out, my eyes glanced around before spotting Liac, the husky dog who bounded up towards us. "Hey Liac!" I scratched behind her ears before she howled, looking at Paine and Markus, alerting a few other guys at the door we were here. "Fuck Freya. Vash is off his nut, hes been worried about you." Yep, thats Vash alright. "Sorry about that, but, family business, long story. This is Paine." I introduced her. "And Markus." Now was the fun part.

"Alright guys. Tell Vash not to worry and if he asks if I risked my neck for some innocent, cos he knows me too well, tell him yes. But tell him it was for family, he'll understand more." Pausing, I saw a girl looking at Paine and Markus, her A99 symbol clear on her shoulder, the tank top strap covering a little bit of it but it was still clear enough to see which earned a growl. "What, and remember, cover up the symbol in public." She seemed taken aback and it was good to vent my anger and frustrations out on someone other than family. "They aren't one of us." That earned a hiss from me and the two guys edged back, knowing that the number one rule. Family of the leaders are allowed in with permission, not the test, because we knew(or hoped anyway) if they could be trusted or not. "You remember the rules don't you? Family are allowed. They. Are. Family." My hand snaked forwards, grabbing her as my fire started singing her clothing. "They. Are. Welcome." I really needed a hold on this anger issue.

Letting her go before she ran inside, I looked back to the others. "Sorry about that." I spoke after a moment, trying to calm down. "This is Ryu and Tracks, their code names of course. If you would follow me." I directed these words to Paine and Markus as I headed up the stone steps into the house. The large hallway of the three story building was magnificent, mahogany wood floor and walls, with a staircase to the left and rooms on the right. The kitchen was down the hall, a few doors down was one of the living rooms. Considering Anarchy 99 was also doing illegal business, people were surprised that nothing showed here for what we were doing. No, all that business was held at the headquarters. "Okay, you guys can eat, the kitchen is down the hall. There are spare rooms on the second floor, feel free to pick on and rest, we have around six-eight hours before Vash gets here and takes us back."

Stretching my limbs, I began climbing the stairs, feeling eyes upon me and I sighed again. "If you need me, I'll be on the third floor, the first room to your right. I'm gonna clean up and search through some files." Feeling more defeated than I had all day, I made my way up, down the hall and up another set of stairs, this time emerging into a warm, creme colored hallway. Pushing the door on the right, I came into my room, huge with a king sized bed, old oak frame along with old oak drawers. To my left was the bathroom, and like all the other rooms, it was stunning. The Anarchy 99 was rich, so we tended to outfit each house and the headquarters with the best. Just as I was about to head into the bathroom, I heard a knock at the door. "Yes?" I called, not bothering to turn back since I was already in the bathroom, stripping from my outfit and searching for a more, light weight clothing.

[Paine]

"Ha! Yeah, if you call getting tested on, poked, probed, and prodded almost daily 'safe'." I gave a half hearted laugh. I looked at Freya a bit more seriously. "Hell yeah, I'm down for sparring." I'd never really gotten a chance to work on my abilities with another, let alone someone with the same powers. Maybe we could teach each other a few things, brush up on some moves, really get a good flow going and see just how much we can to together. I liked the idea. I waved my hand absently in the direction of Markus. "Yeah, I know. I'm just....I dunno. This is alot to take in ya know? I've yet to process everything, and it doesn't seem like we're getting much down time for mulling shit over soon either." I turned to smile at Markus, who returned it. It was as close as I could come to apologizing for now. "Good, cause I'm not done with you yet." I smirked at Freya, sticking my tongue out at her. A totally childish thing to do.

"Whatever you know about the Dresden's, I want to know. Scratch that, I need to know. They're my family too, better or worse. And if I need to be on guard, I want to be damn well prepared. And yeah, we're on for trying that again. Maybe my teke and your pyro can combine too. Hell, who knows what we can do together. Could be a blast." I raised an eyebrow, blast wasn't even close to how explosive it could be. I looked up and up, and up at the mansion we were pulling into. "Holy shit! Nice digs!" Liac, the dog that came over to us, uttered a howl or greeting I hoped, and gave me a cursory sniff before letting me pet her. "Aren't you a pretty girl." I swear she smiled at me before wandering to sniff Markus as well. I nodded as Freya introduced us. "Hey." I just couldn't stop staring at the mansion and grounds. Were all their places like this?

"Who the fuck do you think you are anyway?" I remarked snidely to the girl giving Freya shit. I was half tempted to stick my tongue out at her too, but squashed that childish instinct as soon as it took hold. That was something more reserved for fucking with my sister than some snobby assed stranger. I did, however, snicker loudly as Freya singed her a bit. As soon as she ran inside, Freya apologized, "Don't apologize on my account. Nice power play, by the way. Care if I do the same? I have a feeling that one's gonna give me some hell." I watched as she turned a corner and disappeared from sight. I nodded to the other two she introduced us to and followed inside. "Fuck me, does this place ever end?" It was HUGE inside. I mean, sure, it looked massive from the outside, but I swear to you the inside was even bigger. Not possible, you'd think, but here I was walking through it. I was gazing around at artwork, hallways, rooms upon rooms. I only nodded blankly as Freya gave us a few headers. Kitchen, rooms, check. "'Kay." I mumbled, still staring around me.

Markus stepped up beside me and put an arm cautiously around my shoulders. "Should we eat something then?" I smiled and patted his hand gently before removing his arm from across my shoulders. I wasn't ready for that much intimacy with my father just yet. I'd only barely met him. "That's ok, you go on without me. I'm not that hungry. I really want to talk with Freya. Business." He nodded, smiled, and went off to what I presumed was the kitchen.

I took the stairs two at a time. "Third floor, first room on the right." I mumbled quietly to myself as I climbed. I knocked on the door, relieved when I heard Freya call back. I opened the door a crack and peeked my head in. I could see her shadow off to one side, coming from what I guessed was a bathroom. "It's me. Can I come in?" I stepped inside once she gave me the affirmative and marveled once more at my surroundings. "Looks like Anarchy 99's doing pretty well for itself. Place like this." I ran my hand over the oak frame of her bed. "I thought, if you had a minute, we could talk."