Claire remained silent as the limousine carrying her and Alexei drove through the busy city of New Orleans. She stared out the window as they passes street performers, tourists and many others. She saw people in costumes walking down the street handing out plastic brightly colored necklaces to little kids.
"What's going on?" she asked with wonder.
"Mardi Gras. Every year before Good Friday, New Orleans is overrun with tourists. We have a giant parade and the floats all throw those necklaces that child over there has," Alexei leaned over and pointed to a small boy who was laughing and swinging around a green beaded necklace.
"Don't you have to show your boobs to get those?" Clarie asked, wrinkling her nose.
Alexei laughed, "That's the rumor. But I'm assuming you won't be out flashing anyone for cheap plastic necklaces.
"I think it's stupid," she said, trying not to smile. Alexei's laughter was contagious and for a reason beyond her, she felt completely at ease with him. "So.... where are we going?"
Alexei leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes halfway. "You'll be staying with a Friend of mine. We have a few kids like you who've been disowned or abused by their families. We have, I guess you'd call it a safe house. You'll be staying there."
Safe house, he thought with a laugh. More like a training ground. Wait and see who develops the best powers then induct them into the guild. He glanced at Claire who was once again pressing her forehead against the window. They won't get her! He thought to himself with conviction. The limo finally got out of the busy city and they began to drive through beautiful neighborhoods.
"Is that house one of these?" Claire asked, her eyes big.
"No. The house is in the bayou. This is the garden district. The rich live here."
"Well, why don't you? You said your family was rich."
Laughing, he answered, "My family is rich, yes. Me? No. I was disowned just like you."
"Oh." Claire turned her attention back to the passing scenery.
About a quarter of an hour later, they exited the Garden District and the scenery became more wooded. Five more minutes later, they pulled up in front of a large plantation house. Another girl, about two years older than Claire was waiting on the porch. With her was a teenage boy, who paid no attention to the approaching limo.
"Kage! You're dad's home with the new kid!"
"Great. Dad brings home another stray. We should just nail up a sign that says 'Pound for Mutants'."
"Shut up Kage. Aren't you glad to see your dad?"
"No Robin, I'm not."
Robin glared at Kage and jumped down the front steps and waited for the limo to come to a complete stop. Nervously, she began to tug on the end of her long black ponytail, "I wonder what the new kid's going to be like. We don't even know if it's a boy or girl yet."
"Robin, would you shut the hell up? Your voice makes me want to gouge out my eyes with nails."
"Kage, you really are an asshole."
"You're only 12, where did you pick that up from?"
"You stupid."
The limo finally came to a complete stop and the chauffeur got out and opened the door. Alexei climbed out first. When he saw Robin, he smiled warmly and said, "Well there my little singing girl, what brings you here?"
Giggling, she let go of her hair and said, "I live here Alexei. So where's the new kid? I know you brought someone back. Belle's been bitching about it all day."
"Why on earth would Belladonna be griping about me bringing someone else?"
"You know her, anyone who will detract attention from her is a big concern."
Alexei leaned back in the limo and offered Claire his hand.
"It's OK little one. I'll help you out."
Nervously, she took Alexei's hand and allowed him to help her out of the limo. Almost immediately she was attacked by Robin.
"She's so cute! She's like a live Barbie doll!" Robin grabbed Claire and gave her a huge hug.
"Can't............. breathe....................."
"Hey moron, let the kid go. She's turning blue." Kage yelled from the porch, twirling a switchblade between his fingers.
Claire's eyes wandered in the direction of the porch and recognized Kage immediately as the little boy she'd met when she was six.
"Robin, please, let her go. You'll have plenty of time to do that later," Alexei said gently, easing Robin's death grip around Claire's neck.
"Well well well well. Look at what da cat dragged in," a silky voice came from the side. The easygoing look fell off Robin's face and was replaced by a stone cold scowl.
"Who invited you Belle?"
"What makes ya 'tink ah need an invitation?" the blonde girl asked again. Smirking at Robin she let her eyes rest on Claire.
"Ah guess dey don 'tink much of beauty up in da north," she said, as mean smile playing on her lips.
"Go to hell Belle. She was beat up by mutant haters," Kage yelled from the porch.
"Why Kage, Ah didn't know ya could rhyme. How long did it take for ya t' come up wit dat?"
Claire instantly felt a deep down hate for this girl. Who the hell did she think she was talking to everyone like she was their superior? Almost like she could sense what Claire was thinking, Belle glared at her again. The air thick with animosity, Alexei quickly said, "Robin, would you please help Claire to her room? She's had a long journey and is probably exhausted."
"Sure thing Mr. Reynolds."
Alexei laughed at Robin, "Imp." Turning back to Claire he said softly, "Don't let Belladonna push you around. Even at fourteen she's quite the bitch. Watch out for her. Don't ever let her in your head. Once she's in, she'll make your life hell."
"You're scared of a fourteen year old?" Claire asked softly, so no one else could hear her.
"No, I'm not. But I don't want you to be afraid of her. You'll be more important in life than she will ever be."
Robin rushed forward and took Claire by the arm. "Come on! You're sharing a room with me. Kage is right across the hall from us."
"Now I have to put up with two of you? Kill me know, " Kage grumbled, throwing his switchblade at the wood siding of the house, just missing Claire's face.
"KAGE!" Alexei roared.
Pissed, Claire strode forward, grabbed the knife and flung it where Kage was sitting. The knife mad a thudding noise as it embedded itself in the wooden chair Kage was sitting in, just missing his family jewels. Shocked, Kage said nothing as Robin led Claire upstairs laughing.
"Oh my god! I can't believe you did that! How did you know it would land there! That was sooo priceless!"
Once recovered from the shock, Kage grabbed the knife and ran after them, a dark look on his face.
Once the three of them were gone, Belladonna gave Alexei a charming smile. The age difference didn't matter to her and she'd always though Alexei was a very handsome man. She walked over to him and let her finger trail up the sleeve of his suit jacket.
"Ya know, if ya were a bit nicer t' me, your petite would have an easier time ahead of her," she said as she brought her finger down his arm, a coy smile playing on her lips.
"You're a child to me Belladonna. How many times do I have to tell you that."
"Ah am not a child! Mah pere already has meh engaged. How many children do ya know dat are ready t' get married?"
Alexei took Belladonna's hand and removed it from his arm. "I won't tell you again Belladonna. I won't give you what you want."
Stumbling back like she'd been slapped, Belladonna quickly regained her composure and narrowed her eyes into dangerous slits. "You'll regret dat Alexei Reynolds. Ah'm gonna make your daughta's life ah living hell!"
"How do you know about Claire?"
Smiling smugly again, she said, "Ah have mah ways."
"Which I bet involved you sleeping with someone to get what you want," Alexei said coldly, gritting his teeth.
Circling Alexei, Belladonna let her fingers trail up his arm again and around his shoulders, then over his cheek. "If ya decide ya want you're little Claire t' have an easier time, let meh know." She smiled at him seductively as she sauntered away, her hips swishing like a woman of experience. Glaring at her retreating form, Alexei swore under his breath.
"Damn viper. Thinks she can use Claire to get what she wants from me. I know who she's engaged to. That devil eyed son of the Thieve Guild's leader. From what I hear he sleeps around as much as she does. Hope they give each other venereal disease after the wedding."
Needing a distraction, Alexei noticed Claire's suitcase by the trunk of the limo. Pulling out the handle, he rolled it to wards the front door. Picking it up, he walked up the front stairs and through the front door. He could hear angry voiced arguing, so he followed the sounds of swearing, crashing and yelps of pain. Making his way up the stairs he could make out Robin's insults and Kage's retaliations.
They either or going to kill each other, or end up married. There's no way around it, he thought to himself.
"Look you baboon's ass, you started that whole thing! What was she supposed to do? You threw a damn knife at her head!"
"Why don't you drink a vat of acid Robin. She meant to nail me in the nuts with the knife."
"Oh get over yourself you jerk. I meant to hit your head!"
"Well, we'll see how brave you are. You have to sleep sometime. Who knows when Mr. Knifey will dance across your throat."
"I'm so scared. This coming from a guy who need weapons to feel like a man."
"Shut up Robin! One of these day's I'm going to hurt you. Real bad."
"Ooooo when you become a big bad assassin?"
Moving quickly, Alexei made his way to the arguing teenagers, silencing them before they could say anymore. Claire looked vaguely confused at the Assassin remark and Alexei didn't want her to find out about the guilds this way.
"Claire, you forgot your things downstairs. Robin, help her unpack. Kage, come with me."
Glaring at Claire and Robin as he walked away, Kage followed his father downstairs into a small office.
"What the hell was that about?" Alexei asked Kage, his anger finally beginning to show.
"You saw what that little bitch did! She nearly cut off my dick!"
"I won't have you insult her again!"
"Why? Who is this kid that you had to go get her like that?"
I can't tell him the whole truth now, maybe one day, but not now. Deciding to tell a partial truth, Alexei answered, "She's your half sister. Your mother died giving birth to her. She doesn't know anything about your mom and us, so I'd advise you to not tell her. She'll find out when she's older and more able to handle the truth."
"You mean that little whelp is my kid sister?" Kage asked with disgust.
"Yes. And while I'm gone, I'll expect you to keep an eye on her. Belladonna's already decided she's going to make trouble for Claire."
"Why? Did you turn her advances down again?" Kage asked, smiling a bit.
"How do you know about that?"
"Everyone knows Father. There are bets on how long you'll be able to say no to that little whore. She's already propositioned me."
Crossing his arms, Alexei asked, "And what did you say?"
A sadistic smile played on Kage's lips, "I told her I'd gut her like a fish if she asked me again."
"Well I guess that's one way to handle it."
Kage got a thoughtful look on his face. It was a rare occurrence. He usually wore a look of contempt, disgust, or detachment on his face. "Why don't you want her to know you're her father?"
"To protect her. If our enemies found out about Claire.......... well you know what would happen."
"Yeah. I guess."
"Watch over her."
"Yeah yeah."
"I'm serious Kage Alexeiovich Reynolds, you watch over your sister. She'll need you if she's going to deal with the guilds."
"Ok, ok. I said I would."
"Good. I have to go check in with some contacts. There's something going on in Washington. Something about a mutant control act or a facility. I need to know what's going on."
"And you have my work I'll watch over the brat."
"Good. I'll see you when I return."
Alexei uncrossed his arms and put a hand on Kage's shoulder. Kage stiffened up and his expression became unreadable.
"I'll see you when I get back."
Without another word, Kage walked out of the office and back upstairs. Alexei decided it would be better if he just left without saying goodbye to Claire. He didn't want to upset her. Once he walked out of the office, he heard Robin's rapid chatter and Claire's laughter. Grateful that the two of them got along, Alexei walked out the front door and towards the limo.
"YO! MR. REYNOLDS! CATCH YA ON THE FLIPSIDE!" came Robin's yell out the upstairs window.
Laughing, Alexei turned around and waved at Robin, who was hanging out the second story window and Claire who was sadly waving from behind, a heartbreaking look of sadness on her face. Alexei turned away and got into the limo. Once the door was shut, the limo started and it began to drive down the long driveway lined with cypress trees.
"What's going on?" she asked with wonder.
"Mardi Gras. Every year before Good Friday, New Orleans is overrun with tourists. We have a giant parade and the floats all throw those necklaces that child over there has," Alexei leaned over and pointed to a small boy who was laughing and swinging around a green beaded necklace.
"Don't you have to show your boobs to get those?" Clarie asked, wrinkling her nose.
Alexei laughed, "That's the rumor. But I'm assuming you won't be out flashing anyone for cheap plastic necklaces.
"I think it's stupid," she said, trying not to smile. Alexei's laughter was contagious and for a reason beyond her, she felt completely at ease with him. "So.... where are we going?"
Alexei leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes halfway. "You'll be staying with a Friend of mine. We have a few kids like you who've been disowned or abused by their families. We have, I guess you'd call it a safe house. You'll be staying there."
Safe house, he thought with a laugh. More like a training ground. Wait and see who develops the best powers then induct them into the guild. He glanced at Claire who was once again pressing her forehead against the window. They won't get her! He thought to himself with conviction. The limo finally got out of the busy city and they began to drive through beautiful neighborhoods.
"Is that house one of these?" Claire asked, her eyes big.
"No. The house is in the bayou. This is the garden district. The rich live here."
"Well, why don't you? You said your family was rich."
Laughing, he answered, "My family is rich, yes. Me? No. I was disowned just like you."
"Oh." Claire turned her attention back to the passing scenery.
About a quarter of an hour later, they exited the Garden District and the scenery became more wooded. Five more minutes later, they pulled up in front of a large plantation house. Another girl, about two years older than Claire was waiting on the porch. With her was a teenage boy, who paid no attention to the approaching limo.
"Kage! You're dad's home with the new kid!"
"Great. Dad brings home another stray. We should just nail up a sign that says 'Pound for Mutants'."
"Shut up Kage. Aren't you glad to see your dad?"
"No Robin, I'm not."
Robin glared at Kage and jumped down the front steps and waited for the limo to come to a complete stop. Nervously, she began to tug on the end of her long black ponytail, "I wonder what the new kid's going to be like. We don't even know if it's a boy or girl yet."
"Robin, would you shut the hell up? Your voice makes me want to gouge out my eyes with nails."
"Kage, you really are an asshole."
"You're only 12, where did you pick that up from?"
"You stupid."
The limo finally came to a complete stop and the chauffeur got out and opened the door. Alexei climbed out first. When he saw Robin, he smiled warmly and said, "Well there my little singing girl, what brings you here?"
Giggling, she let go of her hair and said, "I live here Alexei. So where's the new kid? I know you brought someone back. Belle's been bitching about it all day."
"Why on earth would Belladonna be griping about me bringing someone else?"
"You know her, anyone who will detract attention from her is a big concern."
Alexei leaned back in the limo and offered Claire his hand.
"It's OK little one. I'll help you out."
Nervously, she took Alexei's hand and allowed him to help her out of the limo. Almost immediately she was attacked by Robin.
"She's so cute! She's like a live Barbie doll!" Robin grabbed Claire and gave her a huge hug.
"Can't............. breathe....................."
"Hey moron, let the kid go. She's turning blue." Kage yelled from the porch, twirling a switchblade between his fingers.
Claire's eyes wandered in the direction of the porch and recognized Kage immediately as the little boy she'd met when she was six.
"Robin, please, let her go. You'll have plenty of time to do that later," Alexei said gently, easing Robin's death grip around Claire's neck.
"Well well well well. Look at what da cat dragged in," a silky voice came from the side. The easygoing look fell off Robin's face and was replaced by a stone cold scowl.
"Who invited you Belle?"
"What makes ya 'tink ah need an invitation?" the blonde girl asked again. Smirking at Robin she let her eyes rest on Claire.
"Ah guess dey don 'tink much of beauty up in da north," she said, as mean smile playing on her lips.
"Go to hell Belle. She was beat up by mutant haters," Kage yelled from the porch.
"Why Kage, Ah didn't know ya could rhyme. How long did it take for ya t' come up wit dat?"
Claire instantly felt a deep down hate for this girl. Who the hell did she think she was talking to everyone like she was their superior? Almost like she could sense what Claire was thinking, Belle glared at her again. The air thick with animosity, Alexei quickly said, "Robin, would you please help Claire to her room? She's had a long journey and is probably exhausted."
"Sure thing Mr. Reynolds."
Alexei laughed at Robin, "Imp." Turning back to Claire he said softly, "Don't let Belladonna push you around. Even at fourteen she's quite the bitch. Watch out for her. Don't ever let her in your head. Once she's in, she'll make your life hell."
"You're scared of a fourteen year old?" Claire asked softly, so no one else could hear her.
"No, I'm not. But I don't want you to be afraid of her. You'll be more important in life than she will ever be."
Robin rushed forward and took Claire by the arm. "Come on! You're sharing a room with me. Kage is right across the hall from us."
"Now I have to put up with two of you? Kill me know, " Kage grumbled, throwing his switchblade at the wood siding of the house, just missing Claire's face.
"KAGE!" Alexei roared.
Pissed, Claire strode forward, grabbed the knife and flung it where Kage was sitting. The knife mad a thudding noise as it embedded itself in the wooden chair Kage was sitting in, just missing his family jewels. Shocked, Kage said nothing as Robin led Claire upstairs laughing.
"Oh my god! I can't believe you did that! How did you know it would land there! That was sooo priceless!"
Once recovered from the shock, Kage grabbed the knife and ran after them, a dark look on his face.
Once the three of them were gone, Belladonna gave Alexei a charming smile. The age difference didn't matter to her and she'd always though Alexei was a very handsome man. She walked over to him and let her finger trail up the sleeve of his suit jacket.
"Ya know, if ya were a bit nicer t' me, your petite would have an easier time ahead of her," she said as she brought her finger down his arm, a coy smile playing on her lips.
"You're a child to me Belladonna. How many times do I have to tell you that."
"Ah am not a child! Mah pere already has meh engaged. How many children do ya know dat are ready t' get married?"
Alexei took Belladonna's hand and removed it from his arm. "I won't tell you again Belladonna. I won't give you what you want."
Stumbling back like she'd been slapped, Belladonna quickly regained her composure and narrowed her eyes into dangerous slits. "You'll regret dat Alexei Reynolds. Ah'm gonna make your daughta's life ah living hell!"
"How do you know about Claire?"
Smiling smugly again, she said, "Ah have mah ways."
"Which I bet involved you sleeping with someone to get what you want," Alexei said coldly, gritting his teeth.
Circling Alexei, Belladonna let her fingers trail up his arm again and around his shoulders, then over his cheek. "If ya decide ya want you're little Claire t' have an easier time, let meh know." She smiled at him seductively as she sauntered away, her hips swishing like a woman of experience. Glaring at her retreating form, Alexei swore under his breath.
"Damn viper. Thinks she can use Claire to get what she wants from me. I know who she's engaged to. That devil eyed son of the Thieve Guild's leader. From what I hear he sleeps around as much as she does. Hope they give each other venereal disease after the wedding."
Needing a distraction, Alexei noticed Claire's suitcase by the trunk of the limo. Pulling out the handle, he rolled it to wards the front door. Picking it up, he walked up the front stairs and through the front door. He could hear angry voiced arguing, so he followed the sounds of swearing, crashing and yelps of pain. Making his way up the stairs he could make out Robin's insults and Kage's retaliations.
They either or going to kill each other, or end up married. There's no way around it, he thought to himself.
"Look you baboon's ass, you started that whole thing! What was she supposed to do? You threw a damn knife at her head!"
"Why don't you drink a vat of acid Robin. She meant to nail me in the nuts with the knife."
"Oh get over yourself you jerk. I meant to hit your head!"
"Well, we'll see how brave you are. You have to sleep sometime. Who knows when Mr. Knifey will dance across your throat."
"I'm so scared. This coming from a guy who need weapons to feel like a man."
"Shut up Robin! One of these day's I'm going to hurt you. Real bad."
"Ooooo when you become a big bad assassin?"
Moving quickly, Alexei made his way to the arguing teenagers, silencing them before they could say anymore. Claire looked vaguely confused at the Assassin remark and Alexei didn't want her to find out about the guilds this way.
"Claire, you forgot your things downstairs. Robin, help her unpack. Kage, come with me."
Glaring at Claire and Robin as he walked away, Kage followed his father downstairs into a small office.
"What the hell was that about?" Alexei asked Kage, his anger finally beginning to show.
"You saw what that little bitch did! She nearly cut off my dick!"
"I won't have you insult her again!"
"Why? Who is this kid that you had to go get her like that?"
I can't tell him the whole truth now, maybe one day, but not now. Deciding to tell a partial truth, Alexei answered, "She's your half sister. Your mother died giving birth to her. She doesn't know anything about your mom and us, so I'd advise you to not tell her. She'll find out when she's older and more able to handle the truth."
"You mean that little whelp is my kid sister?" Kage asked with disgust.
"Yes. And while I'm gone, I'll expect you to keep an eye on her. Belladonna's already decided she's going to make trouble for Claire."
"Why? Did you turn her advances down again?" Kage asked, smiling a bit.
"How do you know about that?"
"Everyone knows Father. There are bets on how long you'll be able to say no to that little whore. She's already propositioned me."
Crossing his arms, Alexei asked, "And what did you say?"
A sadistic smile played on Kage's lips, "I told her I'd gut her like a fish if she asked me again."
"Well I guess that's one way to handle it."
Kage got a thoughtful look on his face. It was a rare occurrence. He usually wore a look of contempt, disgust, or detachment on his face. "Why don't you want her to know you're her father?"
"To protect her. If our enemies found out about Claire.......... well you know what would happen."
"Yeah. I guess."
"Watch over her."
"Yeah yeah."
"I'm serious Kage Alexeiovich Reynolds, you watch over your sister. She'll need you if she's going to deal with the guilds."
"Ok, ok. I said I would."
"Good. I have to go check in with some contacts. There's something going on in Washington. Something about a mutant control act or a facility. I need to know what's going on."
"And you have my work I'll watch over the brat."
"Good. I'll see you when I return."
Alexei uncrossed his arms and put a hand on Kage's shoulder. Kage stiffened up and his expression became unreadable.
"I'll see you when I get back."
Without another word, Kage walked out of the office and back upstairs. Alexei decided it would be better if he just left without saying goodbye to Claire. He didn't want to upset her. Once he walked out of the office, he heard Robin's rapid chatter and Claire's laughter. Grateful that the two of them got along, Alexei walked out the front door and towards the limo.
"YO! MR. REYNOLDS! CATCH YA ON THE FLIPSIDE!" came Robin's yell out the upstairs window.
Laughing, Alexei turned around and waved at Robin, who was hanging out the second story window and Claire who was sadly waving from behind, a heartbreaking look of sadness on her face. Alexei turned away and got into the limo. Once the door was shut, the limo started and it began to drive down the long driveway lined with cypress trees.