AN: So much AoM fanfiction already - this is in a way inspired by omen mortis' AU fic, but has a different idea, to focus on some events / snippets long before Agents of Metal Part 1, as I imagined them, which could of course be totally wrong, but the novels kind of leave a lot to the imagination! The story name comes from the lyrics in Mayhem's song "Pagan Fears." Also, the chapters proceed in chronological order! It starts out quite light but will get darker as time progresses.

...

In addition to The X-Files, La Femme Nikita was one of her favorite shows. It was just on the edge of what she could stomach. The character of Madeline was somehow particularly nasty, she reminded just a little of Mom, though she had been absent for years. During the scenes when Madeline was hurting someone for information, Jo often left the living room or simply looked away.

At times Russ would watch the shows with her. But not always. Jo knew it was neglect, in a way – other girls of her age were surely not allowed to watch this kind of stuff at all. But the door had been left open and it was too late to try to shut it now. Jo craved this above-her-age information now, and tried to get her hands on it as much as possible, also by reading.

Russ had made it clear that the shows were just acting, that none of it was real, but still it left Jo wondering how much the real world was like them.

One thing in particular...

"Does that actually happen, being trained against your will?" she asked Russ.

"I know you're smart, so I'm not going to lie to you. There's been something like that. Even by the government. Those three-letter guys. But don't worry, all those programs are shut down by now."

Jo nodded in response. That was what he liked about Dad, that he never talked down to her or tried to sweeten the truth just because she was young. Even if on other days he was basically in some another world after having a drink too much, or just inside the studio building all day.

"But what about we get you something else to think about?" Russ suggested immediately after.

Jo tried to guess what. "You're going to teach me how to play? How to record?"

The studio and the instruments were still for the most part off-limits to her; it was very much an adult's world so far, and Russ was very strict when she was in there, so that she wouldn't tip over anything or cause other damage. So would she now gain access to that world? That would be something.

"Let's keep that in mind too. But I was thinking of something else that sure as hell won't be legal for you for many, many years yet. But if you don't tell anyone I taught you, it's OK."

Russ paused for effect.

"Would you like to learn to drive? A real old school car?"