Rayden made his way over to his estranged daughter, but was careful to stand apart from her. *Give her space* he thought to himself. *It's all new to her* He cleared his throat and began shifting on his heels.

"You're *my* father?" She shook her head and began to laugh. "My *real* father! HAHAHAHAHA!"

"You find that amusing, do you?" Rayden crossed his arms over his chest, unsure of the meaning of her behavior.

"Gomen ne. It's just that--" She tossed the bottle of frap and slowly got to her feet. Wordlessly, the girl manuvered to where the thunder god stood.

The sliver-haired man remained still and silent as the girl began circling him, her eyes taking in his features and attire.

Their eyes met.

"Ya pass." A smile crept across her lips as she punched him lightly on the shoulder and began walking away.

For a moment, Rayden stood unmoving, utterly baffled by the girl's actions.

"Now wait a minute!" He was suddenly standing directly in her path. "This isn't exactly what I was expecting."

Vic raised her brow playfuly. "Oh really now! Wow!" The sarcasm in her voice died away. "What were you expecting, father?" She inquired icily. She shot an even colder stare squarely at him. "That I jump into your arms and welcome you into my life? Is that what you were imagining, *father*?"

"I know you must be angry--" he began.

But she cut him off. An icy chuckle escaped her lips.

"Save it, old man. I've fared well enough on my own for the past 1200 years and counting. Now if you don't mind, I have some asses to whup." She brushed past his shoulder, continuing on the widened path.

"You won't find your friends." He called after her. "They're not here."

That made her stop in her tracks and slowly turn back to him. "What are you talking about?"

TBC........