The Hardest Path

A/N: Just because Wynja asked me, I'm going to stop putting warnings up. But if I get any complaints, then I'll go right back to doing it. Just keep in mind that this is not a nice story, and the main character is not yet thirteen. We're about to be heading into some morally questionable chapters...Anyone else excited about that?


Andrei grimaced, rubbing a small hand over his face. "I'm afraid that if I had the excuse, I'd kill Aster." There was no remorse in his eyes, just cold truth. In that moment, Nic caught a glimpse of the assassin inside him. The man who owned the weapons he'd seen. The killer.

And Nic had worn his pajamas.

What could you say to that, Nic wondered. What was an appropriate response? The screen door leading back into the house banged open, and Telin Kagailas strode out, clad in blue jeans and a dark green sweatshirt that seemed to be a size too small. He was trailed by Laurel, and three adults Nic didn't recognize, as well as two almost identical children. They seemed to be around his age.

Aster and Eurus had noticed the addition of others into their training ground, stopping the sparring session by silent mutual agreement and trotting over. Laurel took the lead and walked over to Rhett, smiling reassuringly at him. From that smile, and the frown on Rhett's own face, it was clear that this visit hadn't been planned.

"This is Rhett, the captain of the Four Guard," Laurel began her introductions smoothly, eyes pleading with Rhett not to make a scene. "I'm sure you've heard of them. Rhett, this is Liam Kagailas, his sister, Rhianna, and his twin sons, Stryker and Rourk." There was one more man, standing behind and a little away from the rest of the group, who was busy fiddling with the end of his long braid. He seemed nervous and out of place, content to remain out of the introductions. Nic pegged him as a worker.

Naturally, Nic's gaze was drawn to Liam, a tall, lean man with a stern face and tired eyes, oh-so-professional in his perfectly tailored charcoal business suit. This was the man who was running things in Theas. He was the one who, in some way or another, signed everyone's paychecks. Nic didn't know what he'd expected. Someone older, perhaps. Liam looked too young to have so much power. But in his eyes, there was the look of an old soul who'd been put through a great pain in his lifetime. The look made Nic sad, somehow.

Laurel began introducing the rest of the Guard, then outlined each of their weapons specialties, describing their strengths in detail. Nic glanced at Rhianna, startled to find that she was staring at him, eyes wide. He couldn't help the frown, and was surprised again when she was the first to look away. Still, he hadn't missed the guilty, panicked look on her face, and he wondered what it was all about.

As soon as Laurel had stopped speaking, Rhianna piped up. "And this is?" She pointed at Nic.

With a dismissive wave and a soft laugh, Laurel answered. "Just a boy. His name is Nicholas. Rhett believes he can be trained to join the Guard, but I have my doubts. I'm planning to train him to brothel work." Suddenly, all eyes were on Nic.

Liam was displeased by his aunt's admission, obviously thinking of his own sons being in Nic's place. But, he reasoned, this was Laurel's business, not his. He was simply checking it out to make sure no funds were being wasted, and that they were making as much profit as possible. He'd brought his sons along, because it was high time that they began getting used to the responsibilities that would one day be theirs.

As per her usual, Rhianna had insisted upon coming with Liam and the boys, to make sure all was well. Telin was a filthy pervert, and was planning on coming to the brothel anyway. Pinn had driven the whole lot of them over, since driving was both his job and his passion. Despite Rhianna's protests, Liam had allowed Pinn to come inside and see what was going on. Pinn was Liam's favorite worker, an honest, intelligent man who had the potential to be so much more than a driver, if only he would let Liam help him better himself. But he seemed to be content.


Something was pressing at Liam's brain, trying to call a thought to his attention. Something about that boy, that Nicholas. He glanced at the boy again, looked away, and immediately found his eyes drawn back to him. No matter how he tried, though, he couldn't seem to figure out what it was that was bothering him. Nodding at each of the guards in turn, Liam signaled to his aunt that he wanted to talk to her, most of the adults moving to the other side of the yard for the discussion. Telin and the twins stayed behind, the children peppering the guards with fascinated questions, while Telin focused on Nic.

Nic was staring after the adults, wondering if they were talking about him, if he was in trouble. Telin noticed the worry pouring off of the boy in waves, and chuckled, moving closer. "Hey, now. Don't be so nervous. I'm sure he's just lecturing her about some stupid thing or other. That's what he does." The reassuring words brought Nic's attention to the man in front of him, and he tried to smile in silent thanks for Telin's effort.

Seeing the weak smile, Telin tsked and leaned down, close enough that his forehead pressed against Nic's. Seafoam eyes widened and the boy froze, not sure what kind of game Telin was playing, but not wanting to anger the man with his powerful family ties.

"Don't be scared, Nic," Telin whispered, his warm breath caressing Nic's lips. Dazedly, Nic noted that his breath smelled of apples and mint, a strange but pleasant combination. Telin's hand cupped the back of Nic's skull to hold him in place, making a soft pleased sound at the silky texture of the boy's hair. "I just can't wait for you." Apparently the words were heartfelt, because almost before he was finished speaking, Telin pressed those last few millimeters closer and coaxed Nic into a gentle kiss.

It was a simple kiss, born of curious affection rather than the heat of desire. Telin ignored the outraged cries of the twins, enjoying the petal softness of Nic's lips far too much to stop so soon. It was only when Liam's cold voice assaulted his ears with an order to release the boy that Telin backed off.

Nic was left flushed and trembling, staring at Telin as if he was the single most threatening man on the planet. Rhett's arm slid around his shoulders, and Andrei came to stand beside him, both glaring at the offending Kagailas male. Telin held his hands up in mock surrender and took an exaggerated step backward, though no real shame darkened his expression.

Laurel was the first one to speak. "It seems you've already made friends in my Guard, young Nicholas. That is a good thing. Hopefully they can protect you from my lecherous nephew." She paused to add her own glare in Telin's direction, turning back to Nic with an apologetic smile. "You'll come to my office at noon to sign your contract, won't you?" Her tone left no doubt that this was an order, not an offer.

Nodding and pressing himself closer to Rhett, Nic closed his eyes and waited until the sound of retreating footsteps told him that the family had gone. He peeked, and saw that the twins had paused at the screen door, staring back at him. Though they were far away, Nic could feel the weight of their stares.

Nic was almost certain that Liam and Rhianna hated him, Laurel thought he was useless and stupid, Telin simply wanted to get in his pants, and now the twins probably hated him too, for getting their uncle in trouble.

It seemed that Nic was destined to be on the Kagailas's bad side, which, as a rule, was a dangerous place to be.



A/N: Oh, Telin, you scamp. Or....tramp. Yeah, tramp. Anyway, looks like the whole family is just a barrel of fuckitude, seriously. Next chapter, contracts! And also classes!

Review tyme!

violetstorm: Very good, Andrei is really the one you gotta watch out for. He's hardcore! Like a ninja on crack! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. I'm hoping to have more about their weapons in there sometime soon.

Wynja: Alright. I'll stop warnings for a while. But! I'm already under scrutiny from AFF admin for not properly disclaiming my story. D< So! If I get any complaints, I'll have to start the warnings up again. Okey dokey?