Disclaimer….Yeah right…a talentless hack like me owns the X-men….that'll be the day I pay off my student loans. 

Author's note: Alrighty, so now we embark on the second story in my arc…I know that I left out a lot in 'Shadows and Fog'…like several weeks passing between Cypher's first training session with Gambit and the attack on the Friends of Humanity.  There was a point to it…all will eventually be revealed…and yes…eventually there will be Romy…I just have to get Rogue and Gambit into the same room…

Thanks to all who have generously given me reviews…and shame on those who haven't…SHAME!

Illusions and Half-Truths

One

The incessant buzzing of Asli's alarm clock announced the unwelcome arrival of six am.  Rolling over with a groan she silenced the appliance and snuggled deeper into the warm blankets to go back to sleep.  Unfortunately, someone chose that moment to tug on those very blankets and disturb Asli's snooze, "Come on wake up…You don't want to be late for the Danger Room."

Asli didn't have to lift her head to know that it was her 'roommate' Jean Grey trying yet again to convince her that waking up before dawn was a good thing-at least Magneto had let his Acolytes sleep until eight-and he was certifiable.  The blankets moved again to no avail, Asli was simply refusing to move at the red head's request.

The tugging stopped and Asli sighed happy to be left alone but that feeling didn't last long as she was lifted into the air then dropped onto the floor.  Maybe I shouldn't piss off the telekinetic? Asli wondered to herself as she watched Jean bounce out of the room already in her uniform.  Despite her dislike of being thrown out of bed Asli knew very well she wouldn't stop tugging 'Perfect' Jean's tail…it was just too much fun.

Standing a stretching Asli began pulling on her black battle gear-more Lycra than spandex-that was a privilege not a right -and prepared to face the day the way she had every other this week.  As slowly as possible.

In the hallway Asli lifted her bleary eyes and caught sight of the hulking form of the other resident escaped Acolyte-she smiled ruefully when he nodded to her, "God this is evil Pete…. It could almost make a girl nostalgic for Magneto."

"I would not go that far," he frowned down at Asli before allowing his face to break into the small smile he often favored her with, "But it would be nice to sleep later. Cyclops snores."

Asli snorted with laughter knowing full well that the X-Men's team leader and his girlfriend had that trait in common.  "I can't wait till they decide to trust us…Jean's getting on my nerves."

"Cyclops has no sense of humor." Pitor intoned quietly so only Asli could hear.

The hacker had to bite down to keep from laughing out loud; if the serious man beside her found someone humorless it had to mean something.  "Well come on it's time for our sanctioned torture."  Asli nodded towards the elevator leading to the X-Mansion's lower levels.

The two 'reformed' bad guys plodded forward together to face another day.

*****************

Freshly scrubbed and caffeinated Asli knocked firmly on the door to Professor Charles Xavier's office' having survived yet another rigorous morning training with the X-Men.  "Come in Asli," the Professor's cultured voice called out to her.

Entering Asli couldn't help a smart comment, "How'd you guess?"

Leaning back in his wheelchair the telepath smiled gently, "I couldn't sense anyone when you knocked-process of elimination."

"Sometimes being a null just isn't as handy as you'd like," she moved forward and claimed a seat across from the desk.

"Actually," thankfulness tinted the Professor's words, "I find it refreshing to let down my shields a bit around you-it's been years since I had a regular conversation with someone."

Asli nodded knowing just how useful her indecipherable mind was sometimes.  "Is that why you paired me up with Jean? Other than to keep an eye on me, I mean?"

"Very astute of you to notice." Xavier replied happy not to sense any hostility in Asli's voice, "I hope you understand my desire to ensure the safety of those I care for."

"Of course I do Chuck," Asli drawled abbreviating his name out of sheer laziness, "Which is why I'm here."

The professor seemed happy with her getting down to business, "Why you and Colossus are really here."

"Good guess."

"Well it seemed far fetched even for Magnus to attack his own." Xavier countered referring to the incident that had lead to Asli and Pitor's defection.

Asli smiled liking the fact that Magneto had not in fact pulled the wool over the eyes of his old friend-it made her job so much easier.  "The original plan was for me to get close to Cerebro and the rest of your computer systems and feed him information.  I didn't like that plan."

"You could have done that easily-alone," Xavier nodded spinning possibilities through his mind, "What was Colossus' duty?"

With a self deprecating grin Asli shrugged, "Of course I could have.  Pitor was supposed to keep an eye on me.  Bucket-Head was just too confident about our obedience that I got curious…so I sorted through all of good old Magnus' files…I didn't like what I found.  I want to turn the tables on him-but for that I need your help."

"What did you find?" Xavier was curious and pleased to have such a powerful ally against Magneto.

Asli took a deep breath, "You know that he used my implants against me to 'encourage' me to cooperate with him."

"Yes."

"Most of the other Acolytes are in the same position-except for Sabertooth who does it for kicks.  Shit, he even used emotional blackmail to get his son in on it all." Asli frowned referring to the boy she knew as Quicksilver; "That pissed me off.  I got even more pissed when I discovered that he was using Pyro Gambit's pasts against them." The professor nodded and Asli continued, "But what really got to me was how he got Pitor."

The fact that Asli had not used his codename did not go unnoticed but he Professor let her continue, "At first I thought it was because of his physiology that Pitor was stuck with the Acolyte's.  But the truth was that big guy's little sister was sick-no one could figure out what was wrong with her.  Then out of the blue Magneto appears and in return for Bucket-head taking care of the girl Pitor gave up his freedom."

"That's a touching story." Xavier sighed wishing he could think the tale an exaggeration-but he knew Magneto was not the man that had once been his friend.

Unable to control it Asli could feel the anger of this discovery like it was the first time, "But I know where he's got Illyana hidden away.  I want you to rescue her."

"The X-Men will do their best, Asli." The older man had to admire the girl's determination to help her friend.

"I know you will." Asli felt some of her burden lighten at long last, "That's why you'll understand when I go back to the Acolytes once the child is secure."

Xavier's eyebrows quirked upwards drastically, "We could find another way…"

"No," Asli frowned and opened up just a little, "I was taught you don't leave anyone behind.  I may have turned my back on the majority of my upbringing but I can't forget this.  I just want your blessing to leave when it's time and your word that you will care for Pitor and his sister."

"Of course Asli," The professor was genuinely moved by the hacker's request, "I will do anything I can to help you."

An authentic smile lit Asli's elfin face, "I was hoping you'd say that."

"Why?"

"I want Rogue to come with me." Silence, heavy and thick crashed into the room as the words were spoken.  For once in his long life Charles Xavier thoroughly regretted offering his aid to someone in need.