March prompt #4-Outsider(Part 2, post 2/3)
When Kalika woke up, everything was hazy and her eyes were extremely sore. They should be…how the hell did you even do that? Why…why would you let it come from your eyes? Why does it flow through your veins? Alex had incurred Jason and Rockford’s wrath, but he didn’t care; he refused to leave Kalika’s side and had only moved aside so Corrine and Valerian could heal her and whatever medical staff they had got their chance to work on her. If I have pent up energy, I get headaches. Sometimes, it just comes out. It doesn’t normally come out through my eyes, but this has happened before. They always flow through my veins…how else would they flow? Kalika didn’t understand what the big deal was; her powers all dealt with machines, technology, information, math and science. Aside from the electric energy, she mainly conducted experiments and used her magic to study alchemy, technical magic and genetic engineering.
“Girl, you’re crazy as hell, you know that? How come you and Priyanka always gotta drag my ass off into trouble? At least when you do it, it’s because we’re savin’ the damn day or doin’ the good lord’s work. What the fuck is wrong with you, making yourself blind? Girl, you’re grandpa’s been dead, so what the fuck are you getting upset for?” Corrine said, shaking her head. “Um, ‘Rine? That’s not why she’s upset. Bako sent here because he asked Gabriel to grant her amnesty and let her stay at the school. Bako may work for Jason, but he doesn’t work for this Rockford guy, whoever the hell he is. Why the hell shouldn't she and I be freaked out that the man who started it all is dead? How do you think people back in the day felt when Jesus died?” Perry said, visibly irritated. He had done damage control as best he could, but only Kalika knew details and everyone was waiting to hear from her.
“Oh hell no; you did not just compare that little white boy’s daddy to the good lord. What the fuck is wrong with you? You think I’m ever gonna be swayed by some false prophet, just because we’re in the Lost City? Why the hell do you think I joined her and played double agent? I’m not about to let her crazy uncles and her stupid brother run this town and go around, saving us for Satan or telling people some guy named Gabriel’s word is Gospel. What the fuck?” Corrine said angrily. It had always pissed her off to no end and she had been thankful the queen and the princess were both good people. “HEY! I have a name and my father never said he was Jesus. He never even believed in god; he said we’re not human, so we shouldn’t worship god at all,” Alex said defensively. Corrine groaned; this was even worse and she wanted to strangle Bako for having the nerve to try and make the entire city and the surrounding area atheists against their will. No one needed to trade technology for their faith; it shouldn’t have to even be a choice.
“Stop fighting…don’t be mean to Luke,” Kalika mumbled, wishing she could just take off her stupid eye patch already. She felt fine, she was just sort of woozy and she didn’t want to look like a pirate, even if she’d want the plank or steal someone’s ship any day. “I’m glad you’re home,” Alex said, going to where she was and hugging her. “Yeah well…it’s not like we have anywhere else to go. I mean, as far as the world knows, we’re kinda dead,” Perry said, shrugging awkwardly. He hated putting everyone through it again, especially Mara, Vida and his father, but Rosie knew there was a chance he could get killed and that something was up the last time he saw her. “Wait, what? Why would you leave Viral and your mother behind? They were so unhappy when you left the first time,” Alex reminded him. Viral had been miserable in Shamballa and was probably a mess now that he thought Perry was gone for good. “Don’t underestimate the Ebola Virus; he’s got antibodies,” Kalika joked. It felt good to be safe for once; she hadn’t even had nightmares while she was unconscious. She hadn’t felt safe, ever since the night her uncle found out her identity as the Lone Pulsar.
“He sure does…him and Anka, they’ll take care of each other,” Corrine said sadly, looking down. She had only left because the angels told her she had to; there was too much sin and it wasn’t safe. “Let’s go see the Dean,” Alex said, taking her hand. He had a million questions and he was shocked at how much had happened in three years. “Wait…the letter,” Kalika started, but Perry pulled it out and placed it in her hand. “You’re good,” he assured her. Part of him wondered if he needed to go with her, but considering Jason knew who he was and Perry reminded him he had busted his ass even if he hadn’t been a hybrid and had been royalty, he wasn’t in a place to be stupid.
“The Lone Pulsar?” Alex asked as soon as they were by themselves. “What? Marcus showed me what the world was actually life for the people and I realized that things needed changing. Nothing was ever going to change unless I changed it, so I did,” Kalika said, smiling faintly. Even if she had to give it up, she would have done it all over again. Kalika loved Marcus with everything she had, they had ended slavery, schools were finally integrated and she had finally killed the bastard who kidnapped her mother, took him away from her grandparents and sold her to her father. It was cruel to rip her out of her mother’s arms, make her watch another woman raise her and be expected to not only be happy being the nanny, but be fine with getting pregnant a second time. Slavery was sick and Kalika wanted to vomit at how evil and insane her father was.
“So I was right…” Alex said quietly. He didn’t want to be, but it just seemed obvious she couldn’t have been the queen’s daughter. “Viral really helped? He hated anything to do with the war in Shamballa,” Alex said, sounding surprised. “The war in Shamballa didn’t happen in his city, it didn’t mean Perry’s friend’s mother could have been killed, her house was set on fire, her son was sent to war, he’s probably dead, boys are still missing in action, coming home in coffins or sick, shell-shocked and crazy and Shamballa didn’t mean Viral had to watch girls he went to grade school with get turned into slaves the minute one or both parents died because no one could take care of them or one parent was in jail. He didn’t fight, but his powers were useful for biological warfare tools and he was good at getting information and being a lookout,” Kalika remarked, shrugging. She had nothing against the far, far forgotten lands, but whenever she’d get curious and ask about it, Viral had always gotten bitter, angry and depressed. He would only sound happy if he spoke of Luke, Kiraga and a few others like his little brother. Kalika didn’t particularly like Vikesh; he was a creepy little boy. He hated all women, always got angry with her, accused her of taking Viral away even if they were just friends and needed therapy even more than she did. Ironically, he worshiped the Lone Pulsar and thought it was funny when she cut off the Guild Master’s head.
“You shouldn’t have started working for my father or that man,” Alex said, a disappointed tone in his voice. “I’m not…he just gave me this so that no one would ask questions and we’d get here safely. If anyone knew we were alive, everyone else would be hanged or executed,” Kalika said quietly. She had been extremely angry when Marcus died, even if it was for the cause. She knew he had to die either way, but the fact that her uncle had the nerve to offer Marcus amnesty if Kalika let him “show her what she was missing” made her vomit. Luke had warned her, but he wasn’t kidding; Agares really was sick. It was bad enough he didn’t even stop touching her after he found out she was the Lone Pulsar, but the fact that he assumed she was making out with Marcus because she was in a hurry to have sex was bullshit. She and Marcus were in love and Kalika had been extremely nervous, shocked and surprised when she had felt his erection pressed up against her, much less having him suddenly start touching her.
“HE HURT YOU?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” Kalika had gotten much better at hiding her thoughts, but Alex was still extremely upset. He had spoken to his mother and not only had she agreed to adopt Kalika once her father had been dealt with, she promised him Agares wasn’t going to corrupt her. “I don’t want to talk about it,” Kalika said quietly. She still felt dirty and would always lock her doors and try to make sure she either got home before or after her uncle did afterwards. She even started staying at Priyanka’s house a lot more. Priyanka hadn’t really complained, she was just surprised and so was Tristan; it hurt his head. “I’m sorry, it’s just that my mom said you could stay with us and she promised you’d be okay,” Alex said, looking down. “We’re here,” he added, hoping that it would make her less upset.
Kalika felt around for the door until she opened it. “Up and about already? My, my…aren’t we resilient,” Rockford remarked, raising an eyebrow. “It’s just a scratch,” Kalika remarked coolly. She’d exhausted herself far worse and this wasn’t the first time she’d done this; she wanted to focus. “Well then, I suppose we’d get right down to business,” Rockford said, motioning for Alex to get her a seat. He guided Kalika to her seat and helped her into her chair, hoping she was okay. I’m fine…I’m not a baby and I don’t need to be treated with kid gloves. “Now, then…your “sister” and I have business to discuss, so leave us be. When she needs you, someone will come get you,” Rockford said, waving a hand dismissively. “That’s not necessary,” Kalika said sharply. “Anything I can say to you, I can say to Luke and vice versa; we have no secrets,” she said simply. It was true and she didn’t understand why the son of such a powerful man was being treated like a leper. He had given the hybrids what they wanted most and her uncle constantly praised Gabriel to the skies, so why were they acting as if Luke had a disease?
Rockford gritted his teeth; the little bitch was trying his patience. He had tried to get answers out of the boy, but “Perry” had only said what he knew and claimed that Bako had given explicit instructions to Kalika and Kalika only; she was the sole messenger to deliver his message and conduct whatever urgent business he had. Leave her alone; she’s not wrong and you’re underestimating her and her family. She doesn’t know you and my father is dead, so for all she knows, you could kill her the minute I leave. “Very well…”Luke” may stay, if that’s what you wish. From what your companions tell me, you seem to be the only one aware of what Bako’s instructions are, as well as the sole bearer of his message. Tell me, dear…why is that?” Rockford asked, touching his fingers as he leaned back and appraised the girl. She wasn’t wrong to be suspicious, but she was entirely too sharp for her own good; it made him even more curious as to why Bako trusted her so much.
“My uncle wished to seek an audience with Gabriel personally, but regretfully, he has his hands full at the moment. Things have been rather heated lately and fortunately for him, now is a fortuitous time. After all, what better time than the present? I certainly can’t think of a better one…can you?” Kalika offered. She would have told her uncle not to bother even if he hadn’t had his hands full; it was bullshit to leave his defenses wide open, let his men become vulnerable and prone to attack, just so he could talk shop and do her father’s job for him, yet again. “No, I most certainly cannot,” Rockford said, forming an amused smirk. It made sense now; Bako was far too paranoid to trust anyone outside of the family to carry on a classified mission for him, even if it involved his enemy. The girl clearly didn’t care and had made her choice or she wouldn’t be wearing the uniform.
“Bako…he…he’s your uncle?” Alex said, unable to believe his ears. Kalika was nothing like the awful man who tried to kidnap her that night; she couldn’t be. “People will judge you by your actions, not your intentions,” Kalika reminded him. She was tired of the others assuming because Bako helped them, she was evil incarnate and had wanted Marcus to die to take the blame for her. Neither she, her mother or Varuk were evil nor neither were her grandparents; it was bullshit. Alex nodded, trying to process everything, but Kalika had been right to cry about her lost innocence and be bitter and angry with her father; being a big kid sucked and their fathers truly were awful men to caring so little how much they had damaged them. Alex barely recognized Kalika, even if it had only been three years. Her face was still the same, but she wasn’t a spritely eleven year old child who wanted to adopt him and called him her brother anymore. She was taller, she had cuts, bruises, scars and muscles, her hair was shorter and different, she seemed rougher around the edges and it was almost as if her softness had somehow slowly gone away. Kalika wasn’t the child who wished she could keep him; she was a woman and it showed.
Perhaps it would behoove you to follow in her footsteps. Do you see Kalika sniveling, showing emotion or behaving like you? Honestly…if Gabriel were here, he’d be pleased to see SOMEONE was bringing pride to the De Lyncree name. “So tell me, what business did Bako have with Gabriel? I’m afraid with Gabriel and Kyla’s untimely deaths, the mission had to be married on without them,” Daniel explained. Kalika felt around for the sealed document and then handed it to Rockford, wishing she had the sense to bring Shiny. If Luke hadn’t wanted to talk and she hadn’t been so woozy, it would have been Kalika’s automatic impulse; Shiny would have actually been far more efficient and productive, not to mention impressive. It didn’t matter, though…she had missed Luke and was hoping he’d be with his father. “My, my…aren’t we quite the troublemaker. This is quite an impressive resume for a thirteen year old. How on earth did you even get away with causing so many acts of terrorism and why on earth should the security at this school trust you?” Daniel said, eyeing her warily. Even if what Bako said was true did indeed make the girl useful, it also meant she was rebellious, defiant and could be problematic. “I’m pregnant, everyone back home thinks I’m dead and plus, uncle said you’d let me make as many toys to play with as I want to,” Kalika pointed out. She didn’t care if Corrine was freaked out by her gadgets; they were hot shit and she knew it. Even Perry stopped whining now that his lighter never ran out of gasoline. “Oh, and to answer your question, I have my own men, the people covered for us, uncle had my back a good couple of times, the servants helped me in and out, my tree house doubled for stash and it was a group effort, really. After all, no man is an island. United we stand, divided we fall; I was all about the people and they had no reason not to make my life easier,” Kalika said, shrugging casually If she could have looked at her nails, she would have. She had no idea what her uncle had written, but seeing as how Gabriel’s replacement hadn’t asked about the explosions or anything else, she wasn’t talking. Kalika never said anything she didn’t have to; it was bullshit.
“So that’s where those strange vagabonds he failed to mention came from,” Daniel murmured, reading the rest of the letter. While he was curious to see what Kalika meant by making “toys” to play with, he was obviously right about her having a smart mouth. She was royalty and should have been more embarrassed and less crass about being pregnant at such a young age, as well as a wanted criminal. “Wow…you have a team? Do they get cool names, too?” Alex asked, scratching his head. “Like they bothered thinking of them,” Kalika snorted, waving a hand dismissively. Only Viral, Marcus, Perry, Priyanka and Corrine had been able to; everyone else was lazy as hell and went by the team name. “Wow…did you get a costume? Please tell me you all had a hangout,” Alex said, trying to contain his excitement. “Um, rule number one for making a statement and bringing down the man: Always have a disguise-Why wouldn’t daddy kick my ass if I just strolled up to my nearest slave trader and shocked him sightless?” Kalika said sarcastically. She was amused and planned to tell Luke everything, but she didn’t want him becoming starry-eyed or naïve. She did what she did because she wanted to serve her city and her people; it was out of patriotism, nationalism and idealism, period. It was an extremely demanding job and it only looked like fun and games.
“Wait…you actually do that?” Alex said, looking startled. The costumes, the hangouts, the cool names and saving the day sounded like fun, but shocking someone sightless was kind of gross. “Oh, fuck him; the little bastard had it coming. Oh boo-hoo fucking hoo, a slave trader lost his sight. You don’t think he does the same damn thing to slaves who resist or fight back? It’s called first strike and frankly, if it’s you versus them, I’d rather be on offense than defense,” Kalika said bluntly. She hated the slave traders and didn’t feel bad for them, even if she did give them the chance to repent before she kicked their asses and spared their wives and children; involving families wasn’t necessary and the machines all knew that. “She has a point,” Rockford said, giving Alex a challenging look. Even the beloved “sister” he worshiped saw things the way everyone else did, despite the fact that she had a smart mouth and a penchant for rebellion and crass behavior. Fortunately for Kalika, Rockford happened to agree about slavery being disgusting and unnecessary; only humans needed to be enslaved so that they would know what it felt like to be treated the way they treated from those they stole from.
“M-maybe…I don’t like fighting,” Alex said quietly. Kalika still reminded him of Kiraga, but she was breaking his heart. She had lost that sense of softness and innocence, she had become darker and more cynical, she had blood on her hands and she was more like the soldiers, even if she wasn’t officially working for his father. “Very well…you may stay and attend here and so can the ones he mentioned on the list, but I’m afraid unless they work here or make themselves useful, your men cannot. We have certain rules we follow at this school and you’re expected to behave yourself. Have I made myself clear?” Rockford said, narrowing his eyes. “Crystal, but why wouldn’t I behave? I’ve been in private school my entire life and the only reason our school went public was because I told daddy the latest polls indicated 51 percent of the public was indifferent and announcing integration at a press conference would win him some support,” Kalika pointed out, raising an eyebrow. She knew she came off bratty, but she usually did behave in proper company. Kalika simply pointed out the obvious fact that being pregnant at such a young age meant she was screwed and needed to just shut the hell up and do what her family told her to. Even if her aunt made her angry most of the time, she was an extremely devious woman. Even she had thought this was a good idea as well. For some reason, tante Vivienne seemed oddly invested in how much power, wealth and status Kalika wound up with. Kalika let her fuss since tante was all she had, but it was surprising that Kalika didn’t get yelled at for spending hours in Grandpa Gabriel’s secret study instead of practicing black magic like her brother and obsessing over stupid, antiquated notions.
“I’m simply making sure you don’t expect any special treatment, simply because of your lineage,” Rockford said, studying Kalika carefully. “I’m a slave’s child; as long as you give me food, clothing and shelter, I’m good. A lab to experiment in, machines to tinker with, books to read and a weapon to practice with would be swell, but beggars can’t be choosers,” Kalika said, shrugging. “Oh and don’t worry about the guys; they’ll make themselves useful. I think they’re just glad they’re not going to jail or getting killed,” she added, wondering what they’d do. She knew everyone blamed her for Marcus, but he and Perry had both chosen to take the heat and be martyrs long before anyone knew who Kalika’s father was. Kalika still wanted to protect them; they had served her well, she owed them and it was what her husband would have wanted. “I’m sure you’ll find plenty of ways to occupy yourself,” Rockford said, wondering just how exactly Bako planned to have Kalika “represent” him and occasionally deliver messages to him.
Muse: Alex De Lyncree
Fandom: Children of the Stars/Tales of the Lost City(Original Crossover)
Words: 3,716
Note: Part 2 is slightly different because of the muse's age and the POV shifts.