Chapter 70: Retarded

"So you finally got a car," Kate said as she stood in the parking lot of the building and Xander pulled in with a car for Leon.

"Yeah, figured I needed a means of transportation," Leon said casually. "Though I don’t know how to drive, so that’s Xander’s job."

"I never agreed to such. You want to relegate your best friend to a driver?" Xander asked.

"You like cars. You get to have this one as well. Just use it to help your best friend get around," Leon said.

"Hmm, that makes sense," Xander replied.

Kate looked at the two of them and then shook her head in amusement.

"So where are we headed?" Xander asked.

"To see some old folks who own an old company that I’d love to get my hands on. It’s a pretty long drive, and we might not make it back today," Leon explained.

"Huh? That’s a full-on road trip," Xander replied.

"Yeah, but it’s for business, and you are my business partner, so you’ll come with me. Lady Kate and her assistant have also cleared their tight schedules to head there, so it’s best we get a move on and not waste their time," Leon said and walked over to the other side of the car.

Xander clicked his tongue and proceeded to open the door for Kate and her assistant. He got in himself, and the engine came alive in an instant. He pulled the car out of the park and got onto the road.

"So, when do you plan to handle the Sonic situation?" Kate asked.

"Uhm, when we get back. I’ll need your help for that as well," Leon said.

"Who is Sonic?" Xander asked in simple curiosity.

"An assassin that has been sending people to come and kill me," Leon said casually.

"What the fuck? Someone has been trying to kill you, and you have not told me about it until now?" Xander asked.

"You were having that whole issue with your brother being in town, and I did not want to add to the weight that was on your head," Leon explained.

"Tch," Xander clicked his tongue. "My brother is still in town, and he has been with my father for a while now. It’s been hectic." His grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Him being an S-ranked hunter makes everything a walk through hell," Xander complained while gritting his teeth.

"Your brother is an S-ranked hunter? What’s his name?" Kate asked from behind.

"His name is Crimson."

"You are the brother to Crimson?" Kate asked, a bit surprised as she spoke. "That means you are from the Cage family."

"Yes, I am Xander Cage," he replied in a low voice.

"Your family and mine have been rivals and business partners many times over the years," Kate said.

"Hmmm? Are you from the Xander family?" Xander asked.

"Yes," she replied.

"Funny how your first name is her last name," Leon commented. Noel chuckled in the back.

"Well, I have never told you this, but..." Xander started. "My father lost a bet to the Xander family patriarch, and he had to name his next son after the Xander family," Xander casually explained.

"Damn, I did not know you had such deep lore," Leon said.

"So you are the Xander kid. I just figured you had the same name as my family. I did not think you were the one my dad told me about. He told me about the bet he had won while drinking.

"He also told me later, after he got to see the Xander kid, that if I ever met you, I should try to get you on my side because he believed you were extra talented, with a mind that was top-notch."

He glanced at Leon. "But it seems someone had already beaten me to you."

"Yeah, and he is mine now. That mind is mine to use," Leon said.

"Can you stop claiming me like I am some cheap property?" Xander said.

Leon smiled and leaned in close. "You like it, don’t you?" Leon said.

Xander used one hand to shove him back.

"Right now, I am only interested in your sister. If you can agree for us to da..."

"No, never happening. Not because you are a bad guy. It’s the fact that you two would be great together, and I’m sure you’d take care of her, but if you ever broke up, I’d have to pick my sister or you," Leon said.

"Tch, why are you already wishing us a breakup?" Xander asked.

"I don’t know," Leon said and pouted. "I’m allowed to be scared, after all."

Xander gritted his teeth. "I’ll smash your face in one day. Watch and see."

"Hahaha, bring it on. I’m ready for you whenever you want."

Xander smiled and then faced the road, but the smile faded away. "So someone is actually coming after you. Who could it be, and why would they be sending someone after you?" Xander asked. He was worried, and it showed in his eyes. Leon could become as rich as he wanted and have all the shit that he wanted, but it still did not stop Xander from worrying when something like this was on the table.

"I have an idea who it could be, but it would be too much of a risk to point fingers when I have not gathered proof," Leon said and then clenched his fist.

"If they are the ones who sent Sonic after me, then they have gone too far, and I’ll not take it lying down. There is only so much mercy that I can show and shame that I can take."

Xander looked at his face for a few seconds and then turned back to the road.

"Whatever you want to do, I am right behind you as always.

"Also, you have missed quite a bit of class. You and I, the school is calling us for a meeting. Just thought I should tell you."

Leon turned his head slowly and looked at him. "ARE YOU FUCKING RETARDED?!"