True Lies Chapter 22: There's no place like home…, a x-men: the movie fanfic

True Lies

Chapter 22: There's no place like home…

By: Michelle2

Note: This fanfic takes place 1 ½ years after X-men 2. While I enjoyed the various films since X-men 2, I always envisioned my trilogy as the sequels. The imagination is awesome.

True Lies is the third part of my trilogy. Part 1: The Truth Hurts. Part 2: Sweet Little Lies.

As always: I don't own the characters or make money off my fanfics. I enjoy having fun.

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Tuesday

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Logan leaned against the wall of the Danger Room. Robot pieces were scattered on the floor. He had a good night, if that was what you'd call it.

It was five in the morning when Scott entered. Like him, the younger man couldn't sleep. He paused when he walked in his X-suit, expecting to be alone.

"Logan," he said, glancing around the room. "You're up early."

"I could say the same about you," Logan replied. He never moved, so Scott walked towards him. "Couldn't get to sleep either."

"I gave up on tossing and turning," Scott sat across from him. "With classes canceled today, I figured I'd relieve some stress. Looks like you thought the same way."

"Something like that."

"You know, running off on us like that yesterday…It really shook the team up."

"The team was fine without me."

"That's not what I mean," Scott sighed. "You weren't there, Logan. We had to rescue you. We didn't just suit up to help the Avengers and support Hank. We were at that tower because of you."

"I didn't need you to save me," Logan grunted. It was true. He could have gone down in that tower and lived to tell the tale. He would have survived, not because of a miracle, but because he was a mutant with a healing ability. "Besides, once again, it not all about me."

Scott scanned the Danger Room, observing the carnage of robots on the floor.

"So, why are you here?"

Scott shrugged. "Like you, I have a guilty conscience."

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Remy sat up in bed. His body was stiff from the position he was in. Moving too much made his shoulder hurt, and he couldn't get comfortable due to the pain.

He glanced to his left. Sometime in the night, Rogue had rolled away, but remained by his side. She felt the bed move when he sat up. "Are you, okay?"

The sun was rising. He didn't remember the last time he took his medicine. "I'm hurting," he replied.

Rogue crawled out of bed. Her hair was a mess of wild curls. Even though she was half asleep, he still found her beautiful. She grabbed his painkillers and a bottle of water.

Remy leaned against the headboard after he took his medicine. She sat next to him. "You need to take your medicine on time, Remy, or you are going to be hurting like this."

"I don't want to get addicted to them," Remy replied. He turned to her, and she smiled.

"It's only been a few days," Rogue reminded him. "I can talk to Hank about ways to lessen the dosage every two to three days, but you need to take it easy."

"I got a million things to do, Chére. I got classes to take and lesson plans to prepare and—"

"And you need to relax," she said, grabbing his hand with her gloved one. "I'm gonna help you, Remy. You just gotta let me."

Remy didn't argue with her. He let her play nurse to him until she left for school.

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Talia and Clarice giggled in the other room. Kurt lay in bed; his head pounded from lack of sleep. It was only 6:30, and the little ones were up. Didn't they understand the grownups wanted to sleep? He rolled over, only to find an empty side of the bed.

"Ororo," he called out.

She walked over to the bed, already dressed for the day. She had been up early for morning sickness; it was the only explanation that made sense.

"Vell, you're a sight."

Ororo sat on the edge of the bed. "I thought I'd let you sleep in a bit. I was going to take the girls to breakfast and then outside to play. Let them burn off some energy, while I read a book."

Kurt chuckled. "You need to keep them out there a vhile then."

"When do you want to talk to Talia about Wanda?" Ororo asked.

Kurt pinched his brow. That wasn't something he was looking forward to. "I suppose after breakfast. She sounds so happy right now…I don't want…damn, I'm not looking forward to this."

"I know. I can be in the room if you want."

"No, I think I need one-on-one time for this one," Kurt replied. He felt her squeeze his hand. "Thank you."

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Rogue left for school. While the Xavier canceled classes for the X-men to recover, the university Rogue attended didn't. Remy and other students taking online courses still had work to do. He couldn't get behind in the classes he was taking, especially when he had to prepare for a meeting with Professor Xavier to discuss his college goals.

College. That wasn't a possibility when growing up in New Orleans. Jean-Luc was a good father, but there was never a push to attend college. Half the thieves he knew barely graduated from high school. Younger thieves went to college, but not many of them made it through the first semester. His cousins Theoren and Emil both had degrees, but they used their knowledge to enhance their thieving skills. Emil was his age and working on a master's in computer technology. Remy felt behind, even though he did have an A.O.S. degree from a culinary school. He just wanted to do better; he wanted the ones he loved to be proud of him; he wanted to be more than just a thief.

After Remy struggled with one arm to complete his classwork, he glanced at the picture on his desk. It was a picture of him and Rogue from the summer. She had a lime green tank top and jean shorts, and she was laughing in his arms. He wanted to be more than just a thief—with Rogue, he believed he could be more than what his father expected.

Remy knew want he needed to do or what he wanted to do, but he had to tie up loose ends first.

He slid his cell phone in front of him and dialed, putting the phone on speaker and listening to it ring. He would have to call three times be for he heard someone answer.

"Ya got some nerve callin' me."

"Bel, we gotta talk."

"Ya sent Emil-out of all people-ta talk ta me de other night," Bella Donna fussed at him on the other end of the phone. He held the phone away from his ear and had to close the door to the bedroom to keep her voice from projecting down the hallway. He questioned why bother putting her on speaker, but he wasn't used to holding phone to his ear with his left hand. He placed the phone on the desk. "Are ya even listenin' ta me?"

"De whole damn mansion can hear ya," Remy replied. He debated why he called her in the first place, but he was tired of all this mess.

"Is de whore dere?"

"Ya know her name, Bel," Remy replied. The woman always had a way of getting under his skin.

"I'm sorry," Bella Donna forced out her sweetest voice possible. "Is your girlfriend there, Cher?"

"Cut de sweet talk, Bel. It doesn't become you."

"Ya de one who called me, so what de hell ya want, Remy?"

"I want you ta sign de divorce papers," Remy answered. "Like I asked ya back in July. Ya draggin' feet makin' dis process worse dan it gotta be."

There was silence on the other end of the phone. He listened for a response and wondered if she hung up on him. It wouldn't have been the first time.

"Ya dere, Bel?"

"I'm here, Remy…" Here voice was calmer this time. He wondered if she was crying, but he doubt that was the case. Bella Donna wasn't one to cry or show emotion; it was an assassins' trait that made them better killers. "I've always been here. It was you who left."

"I didn't exactly have a choice."

"Ya could have taken me wit ya."

"Ya know dat wasn't an option. Besides, ya woulda hated me after a while, and t'ings would be even worse between de guilds."

"I suppose so."

"Bel, de marriage was over far before it began," Remy admitted. He thought about that day. Bella Donna was happy to get married, but neither of them was ready. They were just teens fresh out of high school. They married because the kings of the guilds, their parents, arranged for them to do so. Neither had a choice; they were just expected to do as they were told. They tried to make the most of it but suffered in the worst way. Their relationship was never the same. "We both deserve ta move on."

"Fine, I'll sign de papers," she sighed. "But on one condition."

"I'm listening."

"I want de house."

Remy shook his head. "Dat's my house. I've been paying fa it all dese years, and a lot of my commissions went into buying dat house."

"Ya bought de house fa me, Cher," Bella Donna countered. "I've been livin' in it fa de past six years. I have rights ta it, too. Besides, it's not like ya can ever step foot in it wit'out gettin' a bullet in ya head."

Remy closed his eyes. He sunk a lot of his money to buy the house for Bella Donna, and the fact it was in the Garden District off of St. Charles Avenue didn't make it cheap. If their parents were going to force them to marry, he figured they needed a place of their own to have some escape from the guilds. He showed it to her the night of their rehearsal dinner…the day before they married. It was something they could both look forward to together, but life has a way of not going as one plans. "D'accord. I'll contact my lawyer ta send new divorce papers dat include turning the house over ta ya within 60 days of ya signin' de papers. Mon pere wants met to visit around Christmas. Once I finalize my plans, I can meet wit ya den."

"Fine. I'll sign de papers, but Remy…if ya don't show up."

"I'll will sign the house ova ta ya, Bel. Ya have my word," Remy replied. "Ya lawyer will hear from my lawyer by de end of de week."

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Kurt sat across from Talia Josephine, while Ororo took Clarice in the other room to play. Talia looked at him with wide golden eyes, wondering why she was sitting in a chair instead of playing. She squirmed and kicked her legs in boredom.

The baby's cries were an answer to his prayers. His mutant form didn't make him a desirable mate, and the possibility of a family didn't seem to be in reach.

But then he met Wanda. One drunken night and nine months later, he was holding a baby in his arms. He was father. The whole in his heart that was left by not knowing his parents suddenly filled. He had a family, even if his family didn't want him. He wasn't going to let this little one go. He was going to be there for her.

Kurt sighed at the thought of Talia as a baby. Now, she was five, and she was curious about everyone and everything. She was a light in the mansion, even when darkness fell. She even brought a smile to Logan's face.

"Vati, I go play now?" Talia asked.

"In a minute, I need to talk to you about something. Can you be a big girl?" Kurt smiled, though he felt shaky. He shouldn't be smiling with news like this.

"I am a big girl," Talia corrected.

"Zhat you are," Kurt replied. He patted his knee, and she got up from her seat and jumped on him. She wrapped her arms around his neck. She looked more like him every day, or that is what Ororo said. He couldn't argue. Talia had his deep blue skin, ebony hair with curls, golden eyes, and pointed ears. She didn't look much like Wanda.

"I love you, Vati."

"I love you, too, T.J." Kurt replied. "I want to talk to you about your mutter."

"Okay." She settled in his arms. "Is she coming to see me?"

Her smiling face broke his heart. Tears rolled down his cheeks. "No, T.J. She cannot see you for a vhile."

"Mutti sick again?"

"Ja, she's real sick," Kurt replied.

"Is she gonna get better?"

"I don't know, T.J."

Talia stared at him for a moment. How long he wasn't sure, but her next question scared him?

"Does Mutti still love me?"

"She loves you very much, Talia. She loves you very much." Kurt wiped his tears away. "Vhy don't you go play with Clarice in your room?"

"Okay."

He kissed her before letting her go. She ran into her room, and Ororo peeked out the door.

"Kurt, is everything alright?"

"I don't know, Ororo," Kurt replied, hanging head. He felt like the world's worst father. All he wanted to do was protect his child from harm, but he couldn't protect her from the pain. He wasn't sure what the future held with Wanda, but Talia was clearly going to be stuck in the middle.

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Evening…

Xavier spent most of the day hiding in Cerebro. He spoke to Erik briefly, while Erik concentrated on building a school house out of several old train cars. Erik refused to talk about Wanda, and when he got bored with the conversation, he put on his helmet.

When he finally wheeled himself out of Cerebro, Hank was standing at the door.

"We were worried," Hank admitted. "You haven't been up for any of the meals."

"What time is it?"

"Around six in the evening," Hank replied. "Congress has holding session all day. The president is supposed to make an emergency announcement to the public. I thought you should know."

He did know. He would be lying if he said he didn't use Cerebro to check on Congress that day. He didn't listen long, but he gathered enough. He felt guilty about the pry. He knew better than to use his powers that way.

"Dinner is bring served in the cafeteria."

"Is something bothering you, Hank?"

"When the president makes an announcement, I am always bothered by what may come about."

Xavier nodded. They all should be worried.

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Natasha Romanoff walked in his room. Steve noticed the way she moved slowly and took deep breaths, as if she was trying to hold her breath under water. She was concentrating on her movements, so she wouldn't give away her real feelings. Her training was good, but her time with the Avengers softened her heart.

"How you holding up?" Steve asked, scanning the images Hank McCoy gave him.

"I could ask you the same thing, Cap?"

"I got a lot on my mind," Steve replied. He studied the image of the screen. Two boys were in Wanda's presence prior to the tower's fall, but no one knew where they went after Dr. Strange knocked Wanda out. He turned to her; it was hard to smile, but he did. "What can I do for you?"

"I just came to let you know about Clint's funeral arrangements," Natasha said. "Tony's been taking care of everything."

"I tried to lend a hand."

"I know you did," Natasha sat on the edge of his bed. "The funeral is Friday. I plan to speak—represent the Avengers words about Clint."

Steve folded his hands together. Natasha was the closest one to Clint; it was fitting that she would speak at the funeral.

"Something bothering you, Steve?"

"I got a lot on my mind," Steve repeated. He couldn't keep his leg still. "I'm thinking of taking some time away after the funeral."

"Oh."

"I just need to process this."

"I get it."

"I knew you would."

"If you need anything."

"I will be in touch."

Natasha smiled and stood up. "I hate to leave, but I want to get a bite to eat before the president makes his address.

"Thanks, Natasha."

"Anytime, Steve."

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Harry's Bar was slow, but it was still early in the night. Logan was just one of five patrons. At one of the tables, a couple on a date talked, and two men played pool. Logan was alone at the bar; he took another sip of whiskey, wishing there was something strong enough to knock him out.

"Saw you on T.V., Logan," Harry said, standing on the other side of bar. The man was in his fifties and been running the bar for almost thirty years. He probably knew more about his patrons than any organization could ever pull up. He was the type of guy you talked to and trusted, even more than a priest in a confessional.

"The camera adds ten pounds," Logan said, taking another sip of whisky.

Harry put the glass down. He knew that anyone at Xavier's School that patronized his bar was a mutant. What their powers were remained a mystery, but still…"There was a video of you running in that tower and none of you running out."

Logan put his glass down. "I went out the back door."

Harry laughed quietly. "Whatever you say. So, where is your friend Kurt?"

"He's with his family," Logan replied. Kurt was with his family, and he was hiding from Kurt.

"Something bothering you?"

"Yep, but I wouldn't know where to start telling you," Logan replied. "So why don't you pour me another one."

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Remy explained to Rogue what his lesson plan was, while Rogue did her best to type coherent sentences into a structured plan. They nibbled off their dinner she brought home.

"It makes sense, right?"

"They're getting there," Rogue replied. She added a few words and phrases to clarify Remy's goals for the assignment. She was getting good at writing lesson plans, but it would still be a few semesters before she was writing her own. "Have you thought about what you are going to do for a midterm in the culinary class?"

"I tried ta write a few ideas down, but I can't read 'em," Remy replied. She looked at the chicken scratch in his notebook. Remy handwriting was usually legible enough for her to read, but this was a mess. "I'm better at using my left hand ta pick locks dan write notes."

She laughed and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. He liked it when she wore her hair down, instead of the ponytail. He was staring at her; his red eyes were glowing. "Okay then, why don't you tell me your ideas, and I will type them up."

"D'accord," Remy replied.

She listened to him explain what he wanted to do. Once again, he was inspired by a cooking competition show. They weren't a big fan of reality television, but there were some shows they watched. She often watched the Food Network with him; he liked Worst Cooks and Guys Grocery Games. She preferred DIY shows, ones where people fixed up houses. Remy often joked that it was because she likes seeing people smash up walls.

She printed his paperwork for Professor Xavier, and he glanced through the sheets, making the neat stack into a messy one. "Most of the courses are listed for next semester. Have you glanced through them yet?"

"Non, Professor Xavier wants me ta talk ta him about dat, too," Remy replied. He looked tired from the work he did all day. Kitty and Jubilee checked on him a few times to see if he needed medicine. He took one dose while she was at school, and he was probably due for another before bed.

"I think I am going to take 18 hours next semester," Rogue said. "I might take half the classes online and half on-campus."

"Eighteen hours is 6 courses, Chère," Remy reminded her. "Ya don't have ta take so many."

"Remy, if I take 18 hours in spring, 9 hours in summer, and 18 hours in fall—I could graduate a year early. I could start teaching here in two and half years."

"Ya could also burn yaself out in de process," Remy said.

"The school needs teachers, Remy," Rogue explained. "You see how shorthanded the staff is."

"Chère, Professor Xavier asked me ta teach two classes," Remy replied. "Dat tells ya how shorthanded de staff is."

"You are a good teacher, Remy," Rogue replied.

He shrugged. "I have no clue what I am doing."

"Which is why Xavier wants to talk to you about taking more college classes."

Remy sighed. Like her, he often doubted himself. "I know, Chère. I ain't gonna disappoint ya."

"You don't disappoint me."

A sweet smile lit up his face, especially his eyes. They had a hard couple of weeks, but things could get better. They always got better when the two of them got out of their heads and enjoyed each other's company. "How about afta my meeting wit de Professor I make you a nice candlelight dinner in de boat house."

Rogue blushed. "With one arm?"

Remy nodded. He had forgotten about the sling. "Okay, how about you cook, and I give yainstructions."

"Sounds like an interesting date."

"You're always an interesting date, Chère."

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8 o'clock in the evening…The world listened to the president's address to the nation.

Professor Xavier, Hank, Scott, Emma, and several students gathered around the television, and they watched as the president stood before a podium.

My fellow Americans: Tonight, I want to speak with you about our nation's unprecedented events that unfolded in New York City on Monday afternoon…

"Are they in bed?" Ororo asked, as Kurt walked in the room. He just put Talia and Clarice down for the night. She wrapped a blanket around her, shaking not from the cold, but from fear.

"Ororo, it's alright," Kurt assured her, though he looked nervous, too.

…The fall of Avenger Tower only reminds us of how dangerous it could be for just one person to have such a magnitude of power. The decision I have made today has been taken with a heavy heart. My goal is only to help the citizens of this nation to feel safe in a world that forever changes…

Magneto placed his elbows on his desk and his chin on his folded hands. He knew that one day he would hear the words that would shake him to his core, and he wondered if now he felt the same way he did all those years ago.

…I will be asking Congress to take legislative action to reconsider the Mutant and Superhuman Acts…

Captain America ran his fingers through his hair. He felt like a failure. He failed the city. He failed his team. He failed Wanda.

He watched as Tony Stark walked to the bar and helped himself to another drink, while his friends—his family—stared at the television for answers.

…I am calling on Congress to provide safety to all American citizens by reexamining the Mutant and Superhuman Acts. For too long, the citizens of our great nation have suffered due to the negligence on part of the mutant and superhuman communities…

Remy sat with Rogue on the edge of their bed. He reached for her and interlocked his fingers with her gloved ones.

…All actions should have consequences, and for too long, the mutants and superhumans who disabuse their powers put the lives of innocent people at risk everyday…

Pietro stared at Wanda in the bed. She was still unconscious and had no clue what she had done. They could come for her at any moment.

… As a nation, we need to make decisions for the good of the people. God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you.

"Oh my stars and garters," Hank said.

Professor Xavier felt his heart pound in his chest. He could hear all the questions echoing through the students' heads. His X-men were all shocked at the words that followed.

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Wednesday

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Ororo stayed calm and collective as she gave her first hour World History lecture, but she wasn't fooling anyone. The students stared at her with wide eyes, hoping she would break her silence. Professor Xavier talked to them in the morning announcements. His words of wisdom were soothing, but like her students, she was having a hard time dealing with the president's announcement.

It didn't feel like a normal morning to her. When the bell rang, she felt a sense of relief more than accomplishment.

Kurt walked in her second hour with Talia and Clarice. She agreed to take them in her geography class, with the other younger students in the mansion.

"Hi, girls," Ororo said. They hugged her, and she felt like she could breath for the first time since breakfast. "I have maps for you to color. Why don't you sit down, while I talk with Mr. Wagner for a minute?"

"Are you alright, Ororo?" Kurt asked.

"My head is spinning," Ororo replied. "I didn't get much sleep last night."

"I don't zhink anyvone did."

Ororo sighed. "Did you call Talia's school about her absence?"

"Ja, but I…ve need to talk about her schooling zhere," Kurt replied. "Ve can talk about it ven ve leave for you appointment."

"Oh my goddess, I forgot about my appointment," Ororo replied. What the hell was wrong with her? "Perhaps I should cancel it."

"Don't do zhat. Ve have already made arrangements for substitutes for our last hour classes. Besides, I zhink the two of us need some time alone outside the mansion."

Ororo nodded, and he kissed her on the forehead. Then he went to his class before the bell rang.

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Remy texted Rogue the list of ingredients she needed to buy after her classes. They were going to have a good date night, one arm or not.

"Hey, the bell's about to ring," Bobby reminded him. He picked up the knifes on the demonstration table. 'Check it out. I can totally be a hibachi chef."

Remy rolled his eyes and put his phone in his back pocket. "Put de knives down. I haven't had anyone cut themselves in my kitchen, and I am not having ya become de first."

'Testy. Testy," Bobby replied, laying the knives down on the table. "So who were you texting?"

"Rogue, she's gonna stop at de store and pick up some things, so she can cook dinner for our date night," Remy replied. So awkward. He sighed. The mutant Iceman was Rogue's ex. He wasn't even sure why he was sharing.

"You're going to let Rogue cook."

"I'm gonna be explaining ta her what ta do."

"Dude, she screwed up making Ramen noodles. You know that pot in the student kitchen that is messed up. It's because Rogue boiled all the water out of it making Ramen—RAMEN."

Remy laughed, though he knew he shouldn't have. Rogue never said she was good at cooking. In fact, she said to him that she was culinary challenged. Remy didn't mind that fact. He liked cooking, and he especially liked making dinner for her.

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"Alex, you have all the instructions you need to guide my science classes for the next two days," Hank said as he made notes on his make-up lesson plans. Professor Xavier's insistence to head to D.C. was last minute. Now, during his study hall, he had to prep for a sub to take over his class for two days. "You can ask Lorna to assist you, if she doesn't have any of her own schoolwork to attend to. I'm sure she'd be more than happy to help."

"I can help," Lorna replied. She watched Alex as he nervously reviewed the lesson plans Hank put aside for him. He had always assisted in Hank's class; he never taught on his own.

"Yes, but this isn't like subbing for Logan," Alex replied. "I have to make sure the students' don't blow up the lab."

"Remy makes sure students don't burn down the kitchen. So far, the mansion is still standing," Lorna smirked.

"I'm going to finish my classes today, so you are only subbing for two days or one and half, Alex," Hank replied, the weight of Barton's funeral on his shoulders. "Besides, if you want to teach a few classes next semester, now is the time to prove to Professor Xavier you are up to the challenge."

"I know."

"Why do you even have to go to D.C.?"

"Professor Xavier wants me to represent mutant interests, especially with the discussions of the new act," Hank sighed. "We need to know what the government is planning."

Lorna rolled her eyes. She was like Magneto more than she even realized. "You think they will even listen to a word you say."

"If I can reach one person…then it is worth it."

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Genosha…

Pietro stared at the bed where Wanda lay. She was still unconscious, and that concerned him. He had Magneto bring in a doctor to check on her, but the mutant only explained that she was perfectly fine. Wanda was just resting and would wake when ready…but it had been two days since the tower fell.

Was he the only one who cared about Wanda?

Magento, their own father, had rarely checked in. He was too occupied with his rag-tag mutant followers who looked at him like a god. When Magento did visit, he asked simple questions: "Did you eat? Did you sleep any?" His voice lacked emotion.

The Avengers were no better. While he knew Wanda had been responsible for several deaths, didn't any of them care about her mental health? Did any care about him? No one tried to contact him; it was like the Avengers dropped them from the team…their family.

Wanda moaned and turned her head. Her eyes remained closed.

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That afternoon…

Kurt and Ororo headed to the doctor's office. She was nervous about the ultrasound, but Kurt managed to fill the drive with conversation about Talia.

"I'll zhinking the best zhing for T.J. is to take her out of her preschool and teach her at the mansion," Kurt said.

"We still don't have a preschool teacher," Ororo reminded him.

"I know, but I am not sure vhat else to do," Kurt replied. "I don't zhink having T.J. away from the mansion is the best zhing for her. She hasn't attended the school in three days. Plus, the school knows who her mother is. I'm zhinking other parents may cause problems."

Ororo sighed. She never liked the fact that Talia was going to a school off the mansion grounds, but even Professor Xavier thought the idea had merit. Xavier's School focused more on 7th -12th grade studies and some college as needed. "I thought about the parents, too. Children don't act as nasty as adults can."

"Ve've managed to vork Clarice into a schedule that fits. Talia could join her," Kurt said. "I zhink I need to discuss it vith the rest of the staff."

'Yes, we do," Ororo agreed. "We may be able to get Kitty and Jubilee to help out in classes. I am sure they wouldn't mind, as long as it doesn't interfere too much with their own classes."

Ororo parked the car and took a deep breath, while Kurt adjusted his image inducer before heading into the doctor's office.

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Scott stared at Logan practicing in the Danger Room. The man had three hours blocked off, all conveniently when classes had ended. Currently, Logan was at the end of the second hour.

"So, this is the famous Danger Room I hear everyone talking about," Emma said, walking in the Control Room.

Scott smiled at her but wasn't sure what to say. The first things on his mind, she probably read already. "Yes, this is. Logan's in there now."

Emma looked out the window overlooking the Danger Room. Smoke filled the air; every now and then, there was a flash of light.

"He's fighting a Sentinel or a few Sentinels."

"Sentinels…like the mutant hunting robots?"

He wasn't a mind reader, but he knew what she was thinking. "They are modeled after Sentinels. It is easy to train the X-men when we have some real-life situations."

Emma smiled. "Sounds like fun."

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Remy sat across from Professor Xavier as he reviewed the lesson plans he proposed to finish out the semester. "I'm sorry I didn't git more done, but I had a harder time wit one arm."

Professor Xavier didn't make eye contact, and that fact made Remy nervous. Then he spoke. "Remy, when you told me that you were modeling your culinary class off of shows you watched on Food Network, I must admit that I had my doubts. However, your classroom structure keeps the students engaged, and I hear nothing but positive feedback from the students enrolled in the class. As for your French class, you follow the textbook more, and seem to be getting more comfortable as you get accustomed to teaching. Whether you believe it or not, you are becoming a good teacher. I've been quite impressed by your progress-despite the setbacks you've had recently."

"Thank you," Remy replied. He was shocked by the comments.

"But you still have a lot to learn," Professor Xavier added as he looked up. "I think you need to take a few more college courses to help you develop your skills as a teacher and to become certified to teach, so I can hire you on a permanent basis. Instead of taking 6 hours, you should take 12. Have you taken a look at the schedule of courses available in the spring?"

"Well, there are a few courses I am interested in, but dey do interfere with de classes I teach here. I would have ta be on-campus ta take de classes."

"Your culinary class is three days a week, so that is not a problem. The French class is five days, so perhaps we can rearrange your lab days, so you can take courses at the college while the students utilize the lab," Xavier suggested.

Remy nodded. "Okay."

"Once you register for courses, I will need your schedule, so I can start arranging your classroom times," Professor replied. "As for this suggestion for your culinary midterm, I like the idea. I think I can pull a few teachers to help evaluate the students' culinary skills as part of the grading process."

"Thank you," Remy answered.

Professor Xavier stared at him for a moment. The man couldn't read his mind, but he knew something was on it. "Is there something else you want to discuss, Remy?"

"Oui, there are a couple of things, actually…"

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Rogue had brought the groceries Remy wanted her to buy to the boathouse. When she finally entered the mansion, the students were huddled around Kurt and Ororo.

"I want to see."

"Wow, look how little."

"I don't see it."

Ororo was showing the students the picture of the ultrasound, while Kurt stood smiling proudly. It was a good moment that peaked out through all the bad.

Rogue gravitated slowly to the couple. When the students started to clear away, she was finally able to see what brought a sense of hope to the mansion.

"Vhat you think?" Kurt asked, as she examined the picture.

All she could see was a small bubble-like feature in a black and white image. The baby was tiny at eight weeks. With each ultrasound, they would be able to see the baby grow and develop. Ororo's body would change, and Kurt would be able to place his hand on her abdomen and feel the baby kick. Then, after several months of waiting, they would have a new baby—a part of them who was created by love. She found herself jealous and happy. She smiled. "Congratulations."

Ororo smiled, as she handed the ultrasound back to her. "Remy is speaking with Professor Xavier, if you are looking for him."

"Thank you," Rogue smiled again. She felt each one she gave was breaking her slowly. She headed to the room she shared with Remy, so she could put up her bookbag.

Lately, she and Remy were having a hard time. They were mending, but Remy was also talking about the future. He was vague in what he wanted. He talked about a future with her, but then he was still trying to divorce Bella Donna. He talked about a future with her, but his lying made her question how much she could trust him. He talked about a future with her, but how could you have a future with someone you cannot even touch?

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Magento walked through the metal schoolhouse he forged out of 4 old metal containers that were from the old train yard. A few of his men spray-painted lines where he would have to insert windows. Toad walked beside him.

"Once we outline the metal with wood, we can add insulation, which will keep the school cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Then the dry wall can go up."

"When is the next trip for supplies schedule?" Magento asked.

"Friday morning," Toad replied. He had a list of items they needed to find on the other side of the island, where the city was damaged from the raids over twenty years ago.

Europe built itself back up after World War II, bringing hope and prosperity for generations, but the citizens of Genosha weren't as fortunate. The raids in Genosha were extermination attacks—2 million mutants died. No one came to their aid. They were left to rot. That's when all the world learned more about mutants. Mutants became the enemies they could no longer hide. History had a way of repeating itself, but mutants always got the short end of the stick. The citizens of Genosha were broken, until he came back.

"How are the food supplies?"

"Some supplied could be replenished, the gardens are starting to produce," Toad replied. "I will check to see what items we need for the next few weeks."

Magneto nodded, and Toad stepped away. Magento exited the schoolhouse. Genosha was once a beautiful place, hidden from the world. He looked up to the sky. He was here that day…so was Charles…they barely made it out alive.

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"You did good, Chère," Remy said.

"I don't know why you like cooking so much. I feel like I just had a workout," Rogue replied. She was sweating. Remy had her moving at a pace that she didn't think was even possible. With his guidance, she managed to cook salmon, mashed potatoes, and green beans—all at once. She was proud of herself, because she was the worst cook in the mansion, but then again, she was tired and hungry and ready to eat. There was a reason Remy did all the cooking.

They sat together at the table in the boathouse. The evening was quiet and peaceful away from the mansion.

"How did your meeting with Professor Xavier go?" Rogue asked, as they began eating.

"It went well," Remy replied. "He wants me ta take more hours, and he mentioned movin' my lab days, so I can attend classes on campus in de spring two days a week."

"That's great. We will be able to go to campus together and eat lunch together," Rogue said. She had noticed several of the students walking together as couples. She thought they looked dorky, but then again, she wanted to be the same way. "I'm glad you considered taking more classes."

"I also talked to Professor about days off for Christmas. He approved de days I asked for," Remy said, changing the subject. "My students' exam days will be on December 18th. There is a flight to Gulfport on December 19th in de evening we can take ta go visit my family. We'll both be out of classes for de Christmas Break, and dere is no need fa everyone to stay at de mansion."

Remy tried to be coy with his hints about her joining him. It wasn't his best poker face.

Rogue took a sip of water. She wanted to join him, but she was nervous about it. Remy said his family would like her, but she would be far away from home. Her family was here. It seemed odd to think about being any place else for Christmas, but she wanted to be with him.

"I'm not tryin' ta push ya into goin'," Remy added. Apparently, her poker face wasn't fooling him either. "I just dought it would be nice fa us to have time away from de mansion."

"That would be nice," Rogue admitted. Everything was about the mansion. "If I go with you, could we do something things I want to do?"

"Of course," Remy raised an eyebrow. She had his full attention. "What did you want to do?"

"I haven't been to Mississippi since I left," Rogue looked down at her plate. She didn't know why it bothered her to ask him this. She was from the South too. She had a family there once too.

"Rogue, what it is?"

Rogue looked up at him and took a deep breath before she said, "I wouldn't mind visiting Cody…if that is alright. Maybe, stopping by Momma Irene's place too."

"Oh."

She felt guilty for asking him such things, but they were a part of her life. "I just feel like I need closure or something."

"Oh," Remy nodded. She knew he understood stopping by Irene's place, but asking to visit an old beau was another. "Yeah, I guess we can do dat…I got something ta wrap up wit Bella Donna too."

"With Bella Donna?"

"She agreed to sign de divorce papers, but I have property in New Orleans dat needs ta be signed over ta her. I need ta meet her at a notary wit our lawyers."

"She agreed to finally sign the papers?" Rogue had to be sure she heard him correctly.

"Oui," Remy replied.

Rogue thought for a moment about everything he said. He was finalizing his divorce from Bella Donna. She didn't have to feel guilty being with him. He wanted her to meet his family. Plus, he was willing to take to see Cody and visit Irene's place. He kept talking about a future with her. She wiped a tear from her eye, hoping he didn't see.

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"The baby is right here," Ororo pointed to the ultrasound. Talia and Clarice looked the images. "You see."

Kurt smiled as the girls asked Ororo questions. Talia was curious, but she had a strange look on her face. She was told she was going to be a Big Sister, but the next questions surprised him.

"How did the baby get in there?" Talia asked.

Ororo looked to him for an explanation, but he shook his head. He was not qualified to answer such a question; he was sure of it. Seeing he was of no help, Ororo sighed.

"Vhat?"

Ororo smiled and replied to Talia, "Your Vati and I love each other so much that… we were blessed."

Kurt tried not to laugh, but it was hard, so he covered his mouth with his hand. He's smile was ear to ear, so he didn't hide his reaction enough from her.

Talia tilted her head and looked back and forth at the two of them, while Clarice smiled as she held the picture.

"So when is Aunt Rogue and Uncle Remy having a baby?"

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Fury eyed Mystique in her cell, as Agent Coulson updated him on the situation. Mystique already admitted to targeting the Avengers, but he couldn't get a clear answer why. The diaries were the only main response to justify her actions. He wasn't settling for such a vague response.

"We checked out Irene Adler's residence. There is nothing left standing. It is just an empty lot, like Mystique said."

"You talked to neighbors, checked accounts, tracked relatives?"

"Yes, the neighbors were rather talkative. They mentioned a lot about the Sentinel attack and odd interactions with Irene Adler and Raven Darkholme. Obviously, Mystique stayed in disguise quite often, but changed up her hairstyles. The neighbors also mentioned they had a foster daughter named Anna."

"Rogue?"

"We cannot confirm. There are no pictures, and the descriptions of the foster daughter don't match Rogue. Plus, in our talks with Rogue, she mentioned her name was Marie, and when we asked Mystique, she also said Rogue's name was Marie. However, we are not ruling out the possibility given the unique history of the family."

"The family definitely liked to keep secrets."

"There was also a mention of another daughter, Justine Chase. She's Irene's daughter from another relationship. I sent a team to talk to her and her family to see if we could reveal anything new."

Fury sighed. "Accounts."

"Mystique explained she closed Irene Alder's accounts, as per Irene's will. However, she mentioned there is a possibility of more accounts. Apparently, Irene liked to hide things, even from Mystique."

"If I had the ability to see the future, I would use my gifts to be a step ahead. What about the late Senator Creed's research?"

"His files were destroyed as well."

Fury rubbed his chin with his thumb. There were more diaries out there. It could be dangerous it they fell in the wrong hands.

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Rogue washed dishes in the sink. She didn't do a bad job cooking that evening. She didn't didn't burn anything or set fire to the kitchen. Cooking was never her favorite chore. She'd rather order take out or eat in the cafeteria than to cook a meal herself. Remy, on the other hand, enjoyed cooking for her.

"It's nice here, isn't it?" Remy asked. The boathouse was still on Xavier's property and on the small lake he had. It was far enough away from the mansion to have privacy, but still close enough to be safe. Remy often liked to fish there, and others liked to drink beer. Its original intention wasn't supposed to be an X-men hangout; it was supposed to be a home.

Rogue glanced around the boathouse. "It's quiet here."

"It doesn't have students roaming de halls," Remy smiled. He sat on a bar stood, watching her work. Normally, he would clean the dishes, but his arm wouldn't allow it. Plus, she always insisted to clean up.

"No, it does not."

"It'd be a nice place ta live," Remy said.

Rogue shut off the water and dried her hands before putting her gloves back on. "It would," she managed to say.

"I talked ta Professor earlier about us possibly finding a place of our own," Remy explained. "He offered the boathouse as a temporary dwelling."

"Really."

"Oui," Remy smiled. She tucked her hair behind her eyes and looked around. She liked the idea but hadn't said anything yet. "He'll give us a budget ta fix de place up some more. It wouldn't be a permanent home, but it could be ours for a time. It would give us a little more privacy from de mansion craziness too."

"It is nice out here," Rogue admitted. "But what about us? Remy, I have to wear long sleeves to bed now. You're talking about something permanent…not just sharing a room."

"I know I am, but I wanna be wit you, Rogue," he said, slipping off the bar stood. He walked over to her, taking her gloved-hand with is free hand. "I know right now it's hard ta be intimate physically, but maybe we need ta get back ta being more intimate in everything else we do together. Maybe dis is what we both need right now—just us."

"I'd like that."

Rogue kissed him on the lips until the tug caused them to separate. Remy counted the seconds; it was the longest they'd been able to kiss since her powers returned.

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Logan sat on the roof and watched as Remy and Rogue walked from the boathouse back the mansion. He could smell Kurt, even though he had BAMFed far enough away to try and sneak up on him. He took another sip of beer, and then he said, "How you doing, Elf?"

"I'm vell." Kurt perched down adjacent from him; the spade of his tail hovered above him. "Zhough I think you may be avoiding me."

Logan took another sip. Kurt was right. He was avoiding his friend. "I'm just not feeling myself lately."

Logan kept his gaze on Remy and Rogue. They walked hand in hand.

"To be young and in love."

Logan grunted.

"Vhat's the matter, Logan?"

"My head is spinning," Logan admitted. When he closed his eyes to blink, he could still see them. Kayla. Jean. They were real…and he was in love once. Bad things happened.

Kurt positioned himself in a normal sitting position. "From the tower?"

"The tower. Memories I'd rather forget. Things are starting to blur," Logan replied.

"I see."

"Don't ever lose what you have with Ororo," Logan said. He pulled out another beer. He really wanted something stronger.

"Logan, drinking yourself to death isn't going to ease the pain."

"No, it won't. Because I CAN'T FUCKING DIE!" he screamed at Kurt.

Kurt huffed. He was one of the few people who could remain calm when confronted by an angry animal with claws. "I'm sorry you are feeling this way, mein freund."

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Thursday

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"I appreciate this, Bishop. I really do," Hank said as dressed to address the Congress. He was spending his nights at the home of Lucas Bishop, a mutant from the future who had an M carved on his face. He often butts heads with Remy LeBeau on his mansion visits, but lived a good life as policeman in Washington D.C.

Bishop replied, "No problem. I don't mind helping out a friend."

"Are you working today?"

"Yes…I have to keep protestors at bay."

Hank sighed. He didn't know how to respond to that. Every day, Bishop put his life on the line to help someone in need. Complete strangers. Some appreciated him, while others hated him.

"So, LeBeau really stole all your Twinkie stashes and put them in your room?" Bishop said, breaking the silence between them.

"He was mad because I took his cigarettes away."

Bishop chuckled. Hank couldn't help but laugh either.

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"I appreciate zhis," Kurt said, as the faculty agreed to take time to help him and Ororo with Talia's schooling as they continued to search for a qualified preschool teacher. "I know zhis task isn't an easy one."

"We have no problem helping out, Kurt," Scott replied. "It might be good for all of us to have a little fun during the day."

The comment surprised him, considering its source. Yet, then again, Talia had a way of working into the hearts of all she met, even Logan.

"Have you tried looking to the local colleges for new graduates?" Emma asked.

Professor Xavier nodded. "I have sent emails to the education departments with inquiries. I've had five emails from applicants we will need to interview as soon as possible."

"What about people with experience?" Ororo asked. Like her, everyone was feeling the overload of students entering the school, and new hires didn't do well unless they were mutants. The student body rate was growing quicker than the staff could handle. They didn't mind helping with Talia, but they were getting burnt out. Plus, X-men duties often called, putting everyone under more stress.

"I've contacted a few of our former students to see if they are interested," Professor Xavier said. "Betsy has been traveling steadily with a modelling contract. Dazzler is touring, but she made a donation for students interested in a music club. I couldn't get a hold of Warren, but he sent a donation to help with the school's repairs and upgrades. Sean is a possibility for next school year. "

Ororo sighed. Actually, they all did. There were so many students who needed help. It was just hard to be there for them all.

Professor Xavier glanced around the room. His eyes told her that the situation developing in Washington D.C. was weighing heavily on his mind. "As you know, I've sent Hank to Washington to address questions that continue to rise, surrounding mutants as well as superhumans. Hank will speak to Congress this afternoon and joining him will be Tony Stark. I've already decided to cancel classes for tomorrow afternoon because of Clint Barton's funeral. I would like your feedback before I make my decision."

"Students want to hear the debates; they want to know what is going on."

"I agree."

"The afternoon classes had setbacks with the multiple cancelations anyway. I don't see the point of teaching new materials. I can just adjust my lesson plans a week."

"I'd rather have all my students on the same pace for all my classes. I say we consider this week as a review week."

"Cancelling classes this afternoon vill be easier on all of us."

Professor Xavier nodded. "Then, it is settled. All classes after lunch time will be canceled. Students can choose how they want to spend their afternoon. I want the computer and language labs open to students who chose to work on classroom assignments. Now, as for the funeral tomorrow, I was informed that it will be televised."

"Why the hell would someone do that?"

Ororo and the rest of the room looked to Logan. He had been quiet since the tower fell.

"Tony Stark is paying for the funeral to be televised. He wants to show the world that all of us feel pain and sorrow," Professor Xavier informed them.

Logan only rolled his eyes.

"Hank is attending the funeral, and I was also informed several Avengers would be attending."

"Why doesn't Tony just slap a bullseye on everyone?"

"I agree his move is risky," Professor Xavier added. "But I do think some of us need to attend. The world will be watching; it is imperative to know where we stand. I will be attending tomorrow."

Kurt glanced to Ororo, who nodded her head. "Ororo and I vant to attend the funeral. Clint's done a lot for Talia. Ve vant to pay our respects."

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That afternoon…

Rogue dropped her book bag on the chair in their room. Remy was at the computer, trying to type with one hand. She walked over to him and gently place a hand on his shoulder. "How was today?"

"Long, but better now dat yahome," Remy looked up at her. He had a mischievous glow in his eyes.

"Have you been playing on the computer all day?" Rogue teased.

"Only part of the day, since my French class was canceled again," Remy replied. "Drake and I watched Talia and Clarice fa two hours before lunch time."

Rogue kissed him on the cheek and sat down next to him. "So what are you looking at?"

Remy smiled. "Hotels and beach houses in Gulfport. I dought if we plan to do things in Louisiana and Mississippi, den Gulfport would be a good place fa us ta stay. I wanted ta see what options were available."

"So, you are okay with me wanting to visit Cody in the hospital and going to Irene's place?" Rogue asked. His facial expression the day before signaled he was shocked by her request. Apparently, it had been on his mind, just like the idea of encountering Bella Donna was on her mind.

Remy glanced from her to the computer. He was uncomfortable about the idea. "It does bother me a little, but dis isn't just my Christmas. It would be yours, too. Plus, I think ya right. We both need some closure."

Rogue placed her hand on his. Closure to the past would be hard on both of them. It meant a lot to her knowing he was being supportive. "Thank you, Remy."

Remy faced her again and squeezed her hand. "I love you, Rogue."

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"I am sorry to hear that Talia will not be continuing the school year with me," Ms. Michelle Taylor said.

Kurt and Ororo stood in the classroom as Talia's preschool teacher gathered some of the things that Talia had in her cubbie.

"Ve are, too," Kurt replied. He felt nervous, even though his image inducer covered his true appearance. Most of the parents he and Ororo met knew they worked at Xavier's School; it automatically indicated they were mutants. He used the image inducer to make everyone comfortable. Unfortunately, everyone knew Talia's mother was Wanda Maximoff, one of the Avengers. Right now, that was not a good thing.

"We really appreciate all the work you have done," Ororo added. "Talia has enjoyed her time in your class."

"I'm going to miss all her stories," Ms. Taylor replied. She gathered several worksheets and pictures Talia completed. "She loved to talk about her adventures."

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Magento stared at the television screen. Dr. Hank McCoy was a wonderful speaker, and he articulated the concerns of the mutant communities. Charles had taught him well, and he used his gives to serve his mutant brothers.

But Hank's words fell on deaf ears. Magento knew that well. It only took one mutant to cause a frenzy. That one mutant was his own daughter.

The mutants surrounding him knew nothing about Wanda's presence there in Genosha. Toad was the only one, and he knew better than to double-cross him.

When Dr. McCoy finished speak, Tony Start chimed in. Maganeto rolled his eyes. He didn't need Stark or an "superhuman" speaking on his behalf or his brothers.

"Back to work. We have a school to build."

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"Why doesn't everything out of Tony Stark's mouth make you punch the shit out of him?" Logan grumbled.

"Logan, please watch your language," Ororo reminded him. Since his return from the tower, Logan had been distant and even crankier than normal. She thought he was growing out his terrible twos.

'Come on," Logan pointed at the television screen. He didn't care what anyone else in the room thought. "Why's this rich prick speaking for us?"

Scott sighed. "He's speaking on behalf of the superhuman communities. Besides, if they pass that act, all of us are effected."

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Wanda walked around the room. She was in a daze, but it wasn't a surprise to Pietro.

"Wanda."

She turned to him. "Where am I?"

"Genosha," Pietro replied. She stared at him. His face was pale, and he looked as though he hadn't slept in days.

"How did I get here?"

"Magneto."

Wanda walked to the window and looked out. Outside, it was dark, but big spotlights lit up an area in the distance.

That's when she remembered.

The window.

Clint.

Wanda walked over to Pietro. "What happened?"

Pietro took a deep breath. "Everything is fine, Wanda."

"Don't lie to me, Pietro."

She waited for him to answer. Why was she here? She was in the tower. She was with her children. Now they were gone. Why did Magneto bring her here? "Pietro, where is Clint?"

Pietro closed his eyes tight before he replied, "Clint's dead, Wanda."

"Wanda, let us help you. Let me help you."

"I'm sorry, Clint," she said. "I didn't think you were like them, but I guess you are. You are all the same."

Wanda looked down at her hands. Her thumbs centered in her palms, and a red glow surrounded them.

"Wanda."

She thrust her hands forward and screamed. The blast hit him in the chest, flinging him through the glass windows that gave her a view of the city.

Down he fell…

Wanda dropped to her knees. She couldn't control her powers. The room exploded in a red glow.

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Another chapter done…Hooray! Too many ideas, not enough time to write.

I am so ready for some new Marvel shows and movies. I am hoping all the Disney+ shows come out on time. Actually, I am hoping things get back to normal soon.

See you next chapter!