Disclaimer: Marvel's, not mine.
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Jean Grey rode the elevator up to her friend's apartment. She had heard all about Ororo's death, and Remy's predicament. Both Jean and Anna worked for the Daily Bugle, New York's biggest newspaper, so naturally Jean had heard all the nasty stories the media was conjuring up about Remy and Ororo. She had also noticed her friend was not at work, and worried had come in search of her.
As she got nearer to Anna's door, she noticed it was open. Her heart fluttered, nervous, but continued on nonetheless.
Several policemen were wandering around Anna's living room, but there was no sign of Anna. One of the officers headed in her direction. He was quite dashing. Jean was always a sucker for a man in uniform.
"Hello Miss. Can I help you?
"Uh, actually, I'm looking for my friend, Anna. She lives here.
The officer smiled, blushing slightly. "Oh, well, she should be back here soon, my men and I will get out of your way soon.
"Alright, I'll just wait on the couch then. Scott watched her walk off, her curvy figure covered in a pencil skirt and blouse, accentuating every part of her very nicely.
"Your men huh? He heard Bobby snort. "Give me a break "officer Summers", jeez. I'm going home, I've had enough pain for one day.
"Yeah, sure, ok Bobby.
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Anna had returned home to find her good friend Jean Grey, but no Remy, and thankfully, no police. Her and Jean stood around her kitchen counter, sipping wine, Anna filling Jean in with every detail of the case.
They had been talking for hours, when a knock interrupted them.
"Ah hope it ain't detective Logan again.
"Logan?" Jean questioned. "That's the name of your detective?
"Yeah, do ya know him Jean?" Anna questioned, heading for the door.
"I've heard of him, that's all.
When Anna answered the door, a purple haired Asian beauty stared back at her.
"Hello darling, care to let me in?
"Um, Betsy right?
Betsy gave her a sharp look, telling her with her eyes, to just let her in. Anna motioned her in, and Betsy quickly shut the door behind her.
"You've got a bloody cop spy guarding your door, did you know that?
"Ah do now. Now what can Ah do for ya?
Jean had joined them at this point, her wine glass in hand. Betsy eyed it then looked up at Anna.
Betsy rolled her eyes, letting her arms drop to her side. "Look I'm here because Remy sent me. He wanted me to let you know he's safe, and where to find him." Betsy whispered this so quietly, Anna barely heard it. It was clear enough to hear the resentfulness in Betsy's voice however.
"Well spill it sugah.
"Look Ms. Raven, I hope you know Remy's risking his neck telling you about this place." Betsy looked Anna up and down at this. "Apparently he thinks you're worth it, we all hope he's right.
Anna was losing patience with this uptight woman. "Look Betsy, ya obviously don't want to be here, so just give meh the information, and ya can go back ta whatevah bar ya crawled out of.
Betsy looked annoyed, but spinning on her heels, she gave a quick peek out the eyehole on the door.
"Well, at least he's not leaning against the door, listening in. Alright, Remy's at 2356 East Broadway. The building has a restaurant at the forefront. Ask to speak to the manager of the restaurant, his name's Lucas Bishop. Tell him your looking for Le Diable Blanc and that Shadow sent you here.
"What's with all the codenames?" Jean asked.
"Anna will find out. Jesus, I shouldn't have even mentioned this with her in the room," Betsy said, pointing to Jean.
"Don't worry, she's a good friend. So, are you Shadow?" Anna asked.
Betsy said nothing, reaching for the doorknob.
"I only came to deliver the address Ms. Raven. The rest of it isn't mine to explain, it's all LeBeau's problem now.
There were a couple seconds of silence after Betsy had gone, when Jean finally spoke.
"Well, thank god she's gone.
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Anna had decided on another flapper dress, this one a darker shade, and red rather than green. She figured she might as well try and fit in with the evening restaurant crowd. She went for flats, rather than heels, just in case Remy had to run again. This time she would run with him.
The restaurant had a lounge like feeling on the inside, and it was definitely not a family place. Cigarette smoke filled the interior, and there was a live jazz band playing on the stage.
"Are you looking for a drink Ms.? Or something else?
Startled, Anna turned to her left. A large black man was behind the counter, drying out a beer glass. When he saw her from a front angle, a slight smile hid itself in the corner of his mouth. Anna missed it, already doing as Betsy had told her.
"Ah'm looking for a man named Lucas Bishop.
"That's me honey. Are you going to ask for Remy LeBeau next?
Anna stiffened. She wasn't sure how she should answer. How did he know?
He gave a short laugh. "Look Ms. Raven, LeBeau and I go way back, he's mentioned you on more than one occasion. I just remember the white strip in your hair that he described, that and your green eyes that he seems so enraptured with.
Anna visibly relaxed, but still kept her guard up. "Well sugah, are ya gonna tell meh where he is then?
He put down his rag. "Follow me." Bishop led her through a storage room and then down a flight of stairs. "This building has an interesting design, perfect for us really. The basement was built right into the sewer tunnels beneath the streets of this city.
"No offense, but Ah don't really understand how that's so perfect.
"I'm sure LeBeau will make it clear." He opened a large wood door. On the other side was what looked like a waiting room or lobby. There were several closed doors in the room, as well as a tiny mini bar in the corner and a series of overstuffed couches.
"There's a meeting going on now, so you'll have to wait. It should be over in about five minutes. I don't think LeBeau was really expecting you'd come so soon, if at all.
"Huh. Well Remy still had a lot to learn about meh sugah." She gave a little wink, sitting down on one of the couches. Bishop laughed, "Well, I have to return to my post at the bar, it was nice meeting you Ms. Raven.
"Call meh Anna. If y'all are a friend of Remy's than Ah insist.
He smiled, and then turned to leave. Anna lay down on the couch, suddenly exhausted. The meeting was taking longer than expected, and slowly, Anna's eyes closed.
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Cyclops. Phoenix. Iceman. Angel. Psylocke. Beast. Wolverine. Storm. Gambit. They were the elite X-Men, and for over a month, Rogue had been a part of this line up. Very few knew the X-teams truly existed, many just believed them to be a myth, despite the ever-growing mutant population. Xavier had designed the teams to prevent a war he believed may soon occur between mutants and humans. They worked to protect the good name of mutants, trying to keep relations peaceful around the world. They had been incredibly successful for the better part of ten years, but all of that was about to change.
The X-Men had been called to a meeting room in the sub basement of the mansion, disturbing them from the week long break they were taking. Everyone but Beast and Wolverine were present. Well, Gambit wasn't there either, but that didn't mean he wouldn't show up later. Honestly, Rogue didn't know how Remy managed to remain Xavier's closest confident.
The doors swung open then, revealing Xavier alongside an uptight, tall black man, carrying a large threatening looking gun. Instantly Cyclops rose from his chair, demanding answers.
"Professor?!" Scott questioned, his hand holding onto his visor, reading to take action should the mystery man chose to attack.
"Sit down Scott. This man is not a threat to us, rather, he has come to warn us.
"Warn us o'what Charles?" Remy stood casually behind the two, leaning on the doorframe.
The new man raised his weapon quickly upon seeing Remy, his finger tightening on the trigger. "Warn them of you LeBeau.
Remy's eyes flashed a warning shade of red. Rogue flew to him then, settling herself in between the man and Remy. Telekinetically, Jean raised the gun from the man's hands. "Why don't you explain first, before blasting one of our most esteemed and important members?" Jean insisted.
The man remained standing, his eyes never leaving Gambit. "My name is Bishop. I come from another timeline in order to warn you of a betrayal. A betrayal that will not only cost you your lives, but the lives of every human being on this planet!
Angel scoffed at this. "Please, you don't expect us to believe that crazy bullshit!" Betsy grabbed Warren's arm then, her eyes wide.
"He thinks he is telling the truth Warren, so either he is crazy, or he's telling the truth." Betsy relayed. "I read his mind," she added.
"As did I," Xavier pitched in. "The images I saw are very persuasive, as well as the weapon and bracelet he carries on his person. I believe we should let him tell his story.
Remy placed an arm around Rogue's waist, tightening it as if trying to hold on to her trust at Bishop's accusation. Together they seated themselves around the table, as Bishop began his explanation.
"I don't know much. The time I come from is a wasteland, an unsafe world, especially if you are a mutant. I was raised by a man called The Witness, also referred to as LeBeau. He was the last man to see the X-Men alive. Before they, excuse me, your team, was killed off not many knew that your team was the bond that kept mutants and humans from engaging in an outright war. Most did not even know the X-teams existed. A betrayal within your team sparked the war, and I was sent back in time to stop the betrayer, effectively changing my timeline.
"And y'all believe Remy is the one who will betray us?
"Well I am not completely certain but-
"Bullshit! Remy is trusted by every member of this team, he's Xavier's right hand man for Gawd's sake!
"Calm down cherie," Remy consoled. "Homme, when is dis betrayal supposed to occur?
"What is today's exact date?" Bishop questioned back.
Storm answered for him. "May 29th, 2005.
"Well, then, I don't have much time. The betrayal occurs on June 11th, two weeks from now.
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A hand brushing her cheek woke her from her latest vision. As her eyelids fluttered open, she saw Remy looking down at her. He looked so sad. So defeated.
"Hey chere. Glad y'made it.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world Remy.
He sighed. "So y'haven' given up on me yet chere?
"Course not sugah." Anna scooted over a little on the large couch, motioning Remy to join her. He quickly snuggled in beside her, relief washing over his face as he relaxed, curled against her body.
"Dere be somethin' about y'girl, dat always brings my strength back.
Anna stroked her fingers through his hair. "Ah'm glad Remy. Unfortunately, Ah'm gonna have to ask for some explanations.
"I understand Anna. Dat's why I invited y'here.
"Is this some sort of headquarters Remy?
Remy rolled off the couch, standing up. "Come on chere, let's talk some place else, d'accord?
Anna moved to follow him, as he opened one of the various doors in the room. He spoke as they moved down the hallway. "What do y'think I did before I was an actor Anna?
"WellÉuhÉAh don't know Remy, Ah guess Ah never asked ya.
"And for dat I was glad. Until now dat is, now it don' matter anymore." They had reached another door, and upon walking in they were surrounded by another well decorated room. Remy sat in one of the chairs that littered the room, pulling out a cigarette, he placed it against his lips, his palms roaming his chest pockets for a lighter.
"Looking for your lighter sugah?
"Yeah, I seemed to have misplaced my silver one." He pulled a book of matches out of his pants pocket, lighting his cigarette.
"Ya left it at Ro's. It's in a plastic bag marked evidence now.
"IÉsee." There was a long awkward silence. "Y'can sit down Anna.
Anna swallowed, slumping down in chair across from Remy.
"So what else do the good police have o'mine.
"A suit jacket.
"Well none o'that stuff proves anything'.
"The jacket's covered in Ororo's blood Remy. Care to explain that?" Anna had come here with the intent to remain strong for Remy, to show she still trusted him. But, she was afraid now of what he may tell her.
Remy slowly drew the cigarette to his mouth, his eyes remaining attached to Anna's, his eyes squinting in consideration. He exhaled the smoke, his hand dropping lazily to the armrest. "And what went running through your pretty little head when dey showed y'dat chere?
"Fear Remy. Disbelief. Ah hate to admit it, but Ah wasn't thinking about Ororo's death per say, but rather, what your jacket was doing there, what you were doing there with her." Her face held no accusing marks, just plain wonder.
"The why o'me being dere involves the place we be sitting in now chere.
"Ah'm listening.
"Anna, dere be many secrets within dese walls, I'm taking a gamble tellin' y'about dem.
"Well, Remy, Ah'm taking a gamble protecting you. Ah took a gamble to come here.
He smiled, tapping the ash of his cigarette into a tray on the table next to him. "Dat's what I love and trust about y'chere.
Anna's mouth curved into a sly smile.
"Ororo was a thief chere. So was Betsy, the woman I sent t'your door. So is Bishop, the man y'met downstairs. Everyone o'dem works for an operation called de Thieves Guild.
"And who are you ta these people?
"I be dere boss chere, de King o' Thieves.
She didn't give the surprised look he thought she would. "Well, that does explain some things," she said instead.
"Like what chere?
"Like how Ah never hear your feet hit the ground when we're walking, or how ya sneak up behind meh. Or, how ya managed to steal a heart as stiff, stubborn and downright bitchy as mine.
He gave a chuckle at that. "De don' call me a master for nothin' chere.
"Yeah. So tell meh about Ro' Remy.
He was thankful she didn't want to know more about the inner workings of the Thieves Guild yet. "De night Ro' was murdered, she had asked me t'stop by her place after my meeting with de director, in order t'discuss a current pinch. When I arrived, Ro' had dimmed de lighting, and soft music was playing. I tried t'ignore it at first. She came out in a silk, nearly see through robe, a glass o'champagne in her hands." Remy sighed, rubbing his eyes, his cigarette left dying in the ashtray. Anna said nothing, every muscle ridged.
"Basically chere, she tried t'seduce me. She stripped my jacket off, before I pushed her away. I told her I was her boss, and dat my heart already belonged t'you Anna. She splashed her champagne in my face, screaming for me t'get out. I took off out de front door, leaving de jacket behind.
Remy waited for her to respond, fearful of her reaction.
"Thank ya sugah.
He looked up. "For what chere?
"For your love Remy. And your trust.
"Dat should be my line t'you chere." They both stood up then, meeting each other halfway between the two chairs. Fiercely, Remy planted his lips against hers, hungrily drinking in her acceptance. She returned his eagerness with her own force, intent on forgetting their mess for the moment, as Remy slowly slipped off her dress.
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Hey guys, here is where I will try to respond to my reviews. There aren't many, so it should be easy. The rest of you out there, read and review, please!!
Ishandahalf: thanks for your reviews, they're always so sarcastically enjoyable. Glad you're having fun with my premise so far and catching on to my little clues.
Evosmylife: Don't worry about not having much prior knowledge to the comic book timeline, you won't need it I don't think, although some lines may make more sense, it's not necessary. I'm happy you love it so far!
Tammy: I'm not sure how well Rogue caught on to Logan's slip up, her minds a little distracted right now, but who knows, maybe it will come back to herÉÉthanks for your continual reviews!
Star-of-Chaos: HmmÉLogan may have personal reasons, it's sure looking that way, but as this story is a mystery, the extent of his reasons will have to wait. Thanks for reviewing!
4Rogue: I've also always enjoyed Remy's shady past interfering with the relations around him. It makes him the perfect character (and suspect) for a murder mystery. Thanks for the review!
Jean1: Keep reading, hopefully I can keep it interesting for you!
As you've probably noticed, I'm a fast updater. I hate leaving things unfinished, so I should have the next chapter up soon.