Alone
Shadow Knight
Chapter 17: Deceiver's Embrace
Disclaimer: I'll never own it. And I never have!
~
-In this world of confusion, nothing is as it seems.-
~
(Rogue's P.O.V)
The name sounded felt like venom on my tongue.
"Shawn?"
When I had met him my first time, as far back as I can remember, Shawn's always been the cautious type. Considering the kind of business he's in, it's with good reason. The assassinator should never be assassinated. It was one of the first rules I learned when I began this job. Neither assassinated or caught.
The best agent always got away clean free.
So, with my boss, the top agent of the company suddenly came to pay me an unexpected visit, it set off quite a few warning bells in my head. Oh and there was another thing.
He never visited me on my missions.
"Do you need me, Shawn?" I tried my best to keep a reign on the thoughts and emotions that raged through me.
"My dear Roguey," he replied suavely, "I simply came to visit you and see how you were doing on your mission."
There was no way I was buying that bullshit. "I'm doing fine, Shawn. The target should be eliminated soon."
Shawn's gray eyes slipped toward me coolly. "Is that so? I heard you were having some trouble on this one. It _is_ taking you a bit longer to complete this mission than normally."
I bit back at the insult rising in my throat. "I'm afraid you're mistaken. I have Maximoff practically eating out of my hand."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
He stared at me critically for a moment as if he were trying to discern if I was telling the truth or not. When his eyes narrowed, I could tell that he wasn't too happy with me. Slowly, he reached into his pocket as he spoke softly to me. "You know Rogue," he mumbled as he began to withdraw his hand, "you are indeed my best agent. And I wouldn't want you to fail something as important as. . .this."
He pulled out a sleek, metal throwing knife. It was his favorite and personal brand.
Tilting the blade, he examined it carefully, letting the moon's beams catch the silver reflection of the thin metal. As the flicker of light flashed over my face, I felt a lump in my throat. He wasn't happy at all.
He only played with his throwing knife when he was ready to kill a person.
"Why would I fail, Shawn?" I couldn't let myself seem scared. He liked it when his victims squealed or squirmed in fear, right before he slit their throat. The faster they grew scared, the quicker he killed them.
Shawn slid a step closer toward me. I didn't move. Shaking his head lightly with a small smile on his face, he looked at me with almost pitiful eyes. "Don't you understand, Roguey?"
The hairs on the back of my neck were beginning to rise.
I shook my head no.
Suddenly, Shawn's soft eyes slanted into harsh slits on his face. Before I could react, he used his demon like speed and found his way behind me. Within only seconds, he wrapped a strong arm around my waist and held me still, ensuring I couldn't escape.
At my neck, I could feel the cold chill of his knife nestled against my skin. I knew if I flinched even the slightest bit that the edge would slice at my jugular and the crimson blood would spill.
I didn't dare breathe.
"You still _don't_ understand do you?" He leaned closer to my ear and I could feel his warm breath on my face as his lips tickled my ear. "You already screwed up."
With that, he threw me toward the ground, the knife catching my cheek with a shallow slice. As I landed, I threw my body over and jumped up, wiping at the blood that was beginning to spill down my cheek. Watching Shawn carefully, I slid back a step or two near my bed, carefully making my way toward the gun under my mattress. I wasn't going to go down without a fight.
But I had to distract him.
"What is this bullshit, Shawn," I seethed through my teeth, the sweetly bitter taste of my blood slipping in my mouth, "I didn't do jack and now you're telling me I already messed up? What's the deal?!"
Shawn's heavy gray eyes yielded no answers as he stared at me. Without watching me, he brought his knife up examined the ruby drops that slid along the surface. I knew that it was now or never. I snaked my arm behind me and reached for the gun.
"I wouldn't grab your gun if I were you, Roguey."
I turned toward him. The expression on my face must have been pure wonder.
He smiled and licked the bloodied blade with an evil grin, "Don't make this worse. . . Roguey."
My heart froze in my chest. How. . . how did he know I was going for it? Or that it was a gun for that matter. I let my hand fall beside me uselessly. With sharp eyes I regarded him cautiously, waiting for some kind of explanation. Whatever it might be.
Flicking his eyes upward from the knife, he looked at me with pseudo coy. His finely combed eyebrows lifted at my frown. A smile lit his face. There was something about the way he acted that was beginning to seriously disturb me.
"Roguey, aren't you tired? I believe you better have a seat. . . .now," he stated calmly, almost as if ordering me.
I was about to retaliate when suddenly I felt my legs grow weak. Before I could even think about that, my head started to pound. Blinding flashes struck in my mind and coursed through me, pain surging in every nerve of my body. I fell to my knees. Grabbing my head, I tried to scream out, but only a deaf shout left my mouth. What was this pain? Where did it come from?
Just before I sagged to the ground in a heap, I felt two smooth hands grab me. I opened my watery eyes and saw a blurry figure in front of me, raising me up from the ground. My body was then deposited into an overstuffed armchair, making me feel like a little doll. A tear ran down my cheek, unwillingly as the pain continued.
A finger touched my face and wiped it away gently. "Now, now Rogue," Shawn's voice whispered, "I told you that you had better sit down."
My eyes felt like they were swelled shut, but somehow I managed to open them to glare at Shawn. "What did you do to me, you bastard," I muttered.
"No need for names Roguey my dear," Shawn flashed a beguiled warm smile, "I simply. . . helped you relax."
"Relax my ass." I wished I could my foot up his ass.
Shawn's thin lips turned into a frown. "Why would you want to hurt me Roguey? That wouldn't be very nice," Shawn's finger jammed into the cut on my cheek, causing me to cry out in pain, "would it?"
Recovering after a few seconds, I suddenly realized what he had said. He asked me why I wanted to hurt him. . . . I didn't tell him that. I looked at him unsteadily. "How did you know I that," I whispered fearfully.
"Let's just say I have many secrets," he smiled.
"Can you. . . Are you a telepath?"
Shawn seemed a bit disturbed at my question. His lips pursed for a moment as if he were searching for the right answer. "No, Rogue," he explained, "not exactly."
"Then how. . ."
"I'm more like the person who if I want you to get up. . . ." He made a motion toward me to get up.
I thought he was insane for a moment, expecting me to get up in this kind of pain. There was no way. . . . Suddenly my legs seemed to flex and stiffen. I felt a gasp in my throat as my body was propelled forward, my bones and muscles working on their own. Then. . .I was standing in front of Shawn, my pain suddenly gone. I stared at him in wonder.
". . . you'll get up."
I tried to move my legs but I found them frozen in place. Screwing my eyes toward him I stared. "How did you do that?"
"My dear Rogue," he sighed, "I'll tell you a little secret." He walked closer toward me until he was only a few inches away. "I'm what some would call. . . a mutant."
I felt my face turn toward him in horror. How could he, my boss, of all people. . . be a mutant? He had sent me on so many missions, some of them where they were actually mutants. He was sending me out to kill some of his own?
"My power is. . . Well, you know those little pulses from your brain that tell your body what to do? Let's just say Rogue, I'm the one who controls those pulses. . .and make them."
I stared blankly at him. Why was he telling me all this?
"You seem surprised Rogue. I bet I know something that will astonish you a bit more," he said with a grin on his face, "I'll tell you a story. I once was a man who could only control one person at a time. Then, I gained a wonderful little helper who helped me control others. . . that or rather their memories, their strengths. . . their powers."
He smiled at me quietly, with knowing eyes.
Grabbing my face in his hands, he hid his face behind a curtain of my hair. "That helper was you," he whispered in my ear.
My head jerked back from him. "What do you mean?!"
He stared at me joyfully. "Haven't you figured it out yet Rogue? You are just like me," he said, "You're a mutant."
The wheels in my head suddenly stopped, the world crashing around my ears. How. . . it wasn't possible. Me. . . a mutant? Shawn must have noticed my stunned glance because he started speaking to me.
"Yes, Rogue, you are a mutant. And what a very special power you have," he spoke as if fascinated with a new toy, "You were the perfect helper for me with your ability to absorb others. You simply touch them and all they are; they're memories, their life. . . their soul. . .all obtainable to you."
Fear spread through me like a virus, pouring through each and every vein. Why did I have such a horrible, fearful power? Why did I have such a curse?
"Don't look so appalled dear," Shawn tried to 'assure' me, "It is quite a special thing. . .Well that is. . .for me."
I looked at him and wondered out loud, "What. . .what could you possibly need me for?"
He seemed satisfied that I asked him. "Why Rogue. . . you were the perfect subject for me. With a little bit of skin contact, you absorbed everything I needed. I've always been a master of pulling the strings and you just happened to be the ideal little puppet. I had heard about you and your wonderful power.
After that, I searched for you everywhere. I finally found you though, in this very city in fact. You were living in that crack-head Xavier's school for freaks. But I sensed you there. I could practically smell you. And that's," he paused for a moment and stared at me, "when I came for you. I feasted on your loneliness and tugged your strings, finally convincing you to leave."
I was too shocked and let him continue. He combed through some of my hair and I felt my arms go numb when I tried to push him away. I was paralyzed.
"I had a bit of interference from some other brats, but finally I got you onto that train and up to the company. You practically leaped into my arms when I told you that I had a cure for your power. I showed you into the company and you never left. But. . .we had to do a bit of. . . convincing before you became a permanent member. When I lifted the haze off your mind, you attacked us. I found a way to shut you up."
"I simply cut off your powers."
He then reached into his pocket and withdrew a small handheld controller. It had a flashing red light that bleeped in his hand. Dangling it before me, he explained, "This helped me do it. You see, when we got you we inserted a serum into your body. The chemical components were strong enough to influence the halt of your powers, yet subtle enough to change with a slight electrical manipulation.
We also planted a small electrical charge unit inside your hand. One press of the button and the charge goes off, giving you simply the feeling of being light-headed."
Without being able to move, I simply stared at him. He. . .he controlled me? All this time he was controlling me?
"Why did you do this to me?"
Shawn sighed, "For your powers dear. That and because you were easy to manipulate. When I found you, you were already in the pits of depression. Bringing you here, I went through your mind and did a critical job. I erased all your memories of before, or rather I hid them from you. If you ever began getting clues or started to remember something, a migraine would seize you and I would be notified."
Flipping a hand through his hair, Shawn bit at his bottom lip. "With you memories returning and. . .well. . .a little mess up with your powers, I'm afraid were going to have to go through another eradication session. At least of your memories. After all," he said with a smile, "I don't want to lose my best agent."
With that said, he grabbed arm lightly. "Let's go back to the company Roguey."
My heart pounded in my chest. I had to get away. There was no way I was going back with this freak. I concentrated on moving my legs, my arms. . . .just moving. Concentrated all my energy.
Suddenly I felt a sudden twitch in my leg.
Opening my eyes, I saw Shawn struggling a bit, focusing on me. I imagined myself running toward the door. Slowly, my feet began to move and I was able to pick up speed. Reaching out, I shoved the struggling Shawn down with my shoulder and threw open the door. I raced down the steps, clattering down as fast as I could. My heart sped in my chest like never before.
I was on the last step. . . .
The guy at the desk was gone.
I pushed through the door and ran into the snow. . . .
I was almost away. . .
Then I heard him.
"Rogue, get your ass back over here."
Suddenly, my legs jerked to a halt and nearly threw me off balance before they turned and started walking me back to where I had come. As I saw Shawn's victorious grin, my eyes widened. "N. . No!"
Shawn's eyes narrowed dangerously as I approached him. "No need for shouting."
My lips instantly shut and I was then there, standing in front of him. With a slight huff, he picked my unresponsive body up, wrapping his arms around the crook of my legs and neck. Looking up at him, I tried to scream, but they were muffled by my sealed lips. He gave me a smile and planted a soft kiss on my forehead and muttered, "Sleep dear Rogue. Sleep."
I struggled as long as I could to stay awake as he carried me to his car, parked around the corner. Laying me in his back seat he slammed the door shut and climbed in, the roar of the engine seeming only like a faint purr from far away. Everything was growing distant. . . All far away.
"You'll be back home in no time, Roguey."
It was the last thing I heard before the darkness embraced me.
~
Wow. I actually updated. . . YEAH! ^_^ Amazing I know. Sorry it took F-O-R- E-V-E-R to update. I've been so busy lately and plus it took me forever to get past the writer's block on this story. Ah well, I got one up now didn't I?
Anywho, now that you guys have a bit of an explanation I hope that you understand it a bit further. I know that I've been confusing you guys to no end, but I'll try my best to explain. As for the switch with the powers, you'll see that in probably the next chapter or 2. I know this story is ending. I probably have about 3 maybe 4 (absolute tops) chapters left. I hope you guys have enjoyed it.
I'm just thankful that people read it and didn't give up on me. ^_^ Thanks. . . .
Well until the next chapter,
Ciao. ^_~
P.S. The next chapter will have Pietro's P.O.V. and will include more explanations. Especially on what happened to Pietro. Though I'm sure you've guessed it by now.
Shadow Knight
Chapter 17: Deceiver's Embrace
Disclaimer: I'll never own it. And I never have!
~
-In this world of confusion, nothing is as it seems.-
~
(Rogue's P.O.V)
The name sounded felt like venom on my tongue.
"Shawn?"
When I had met him my first time, as far back as I can remember, Shawn's always been the cautious type. Considering the kind of business he's in, it's with good reason. The assassinator should never be assassinated. It was one of the first rules I learned when I began this job. Neither assassinated or caught.
The best agent always got away clean free.
So, with my boss, the top agent of the company suddenly came to pay me an unexpected visit, it set off quite a few warning bells in my head. Oh and there was another thing.
He never visited me on my missions.
"Do you need me, Shawn?" I tried my best to keep a reign on the thoughts and emotions that raged through me.
"My dear Roguey," he replied suavely, "I simply came to visit you and see how you were doing on your mission."
There was no way I was buying that bullshit. "I'm doing fine, Shawn. The target should be eliminated soon."
Shawn's gray eyes slipped toward me coolly. "Is that so? I heard you were having some trouble on this one. It _is_ taking you a bit longer to complete this mission than normally."
I bit back at the insult rising in my throat. "I'm afraid you're mistaken. I have Maximoff practically eating out of my hand."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
He stared at me critically for a moment as if he were trying to discern if I was telling the truth or not. When his eyes narrowed, I could tell that he wasn't too happy with me. Slowly, he reached into his pocket as he spoke softly to me. "You know Rogue," he mumbled as he began to withdraw his hand, "you are indeed my best agent. And I wouldn't want you to fail something as important as. . .this."
He pulled out a sleek, metal throwing knife. It was his favorite and personal brand.
Tilting the blade, he examined it carefully, letting the moon's beams catch the silver reflection of the thin metal. As the flicker of light flashed over my face, I felt a lump in my throat. He wasn't happy at all.
He only played with his throwing knife when he was ready to kill a person.
"Why would I fail, Shawn?" I couldn't let myself seem scared. He liked it when his victims squealed or squirmed in fear, right before he slit their throat. The faster they grew scared, the quicker he killed them.
Shawn slid a step closer toward me. I didn't move. Shaking his head lightly with a small smile on his face, he looked at me with almost pitiful eyes. "Don't you understand, Roguey?"
The hairs on the back of my neck were beginning to rise.
I shook my head no.
Suddenly, Shawn's soft eyes slanted into harsh slits on his face. Before I could react, he used his demon like speed and found his way behind me. Within only seconds, he wrapped a strong arm around my waist and held me still, ensuring I couldn't escape.
At my neck, I could feel the cold chill of his knife nestled against my skin. I knew if I flinched even the slightest bit that the edge would slice at my jugular and the crimson blood would spill.
I didn't dare breathe.
"You still _don't_ understand do you?" He leaned closer to my ear and I could feel his warm breath on my face as his lips tickled my ear. "You already screwed up."
With that, he threw me toward the ground, the knife catching my cheek with a shallow slice. As I landed, I threw my body over and jumped up, wiping at the blood that was beginning to spill down my cheek. Watching Shawn carefully, I slid back a step or two near my bed, carefully making my way toward the gun under my mattress. I wasn't going to go down without a fight.
But I had to distract him.
"What is this bullshit, Shawn," I seethed through my teeth, the sweetly bitter taste of my blood slipping in my mouth, "I didn't do jack and now you're telling me I already messed up? What's the deal?!"
Shawn's heavy gray eyes yielded no answers as he stared at me. Without watching me, he brought his knife up examined the ruby drops that slid along the surface. I knew that it was now or never. I snaked my arm behind me and reached for the gun.
"I wouldn't grab your gun if I were you, Roguey."
I turned toward him. The expression on my face must have been pure wonder.
He smiled and licked the bloodied blade with an evil grin, "Don't make this worse. . . Roguey."
My heart froze in my chest. How. . . how did he know I was going for it? Or that it was a gun for that matter. I let my hand fall beside me uselessly. With sharp eyes I regarded him cautiously, waiting for some kind of explanation. Whatever it might be.
Flicking his eyes upward from the knife, he looked at me with pseudo coy. His finely combed eyebrows lifted at my frown. A smile lit his face. There was something about the way he acted that was beginning to seriously disturb me.
"Roguey, aren't you tired? I believe you better have a seat. . . .now," he stated calmly, almost as if ordering me.
I was about to retaliate when suddenly I felt my legs grow weak. Before I could even think about that, my head started to pound. Blinding flashes struck in my mind and coursed through me, pain surging in every nerve of my body. I fell to my knees. Grabbing my head, I tried to scream out, but only a deaf shout left my mouth. What was this pain? Where did it come from?
Just before I sagged to the ground in a heap, I felt two smooth hands grab me. I opened my watery eyes and saw a blurry figure in front of me, raising me up from the ground. My body was then deposited into an overstuffed armchair, making me feel like a little doll. A tear ran down my cheek, unwillingly as the pain continued.
A finger touched my face and wiped it away gently. "Now, now Rogue," Shawn's voice whispered, "I told you that you had better sit down."
My eyes felt like they were swelled shut, but somehow I managed to open them to glare at Shawn. "What did you do to me, you bastard," I muttered.
"No need for names Roguey my dear," Shawn flashed a beguiled warm smile, "I simply. . . helped you relax."
"Relax my ass." I wished I could my foot up his ass.
Shawn's thin lips turned into a frown. "Why would you want to hurt me Roguey? That wouldn't be very nice," Shawn's finger jammed into the cut on my cheek, causing me to cry out in pain, "would it?"
Recovering after a few seconds, I suddenly realized what he had said. He asked me why I wanted to hurt him. . . . I didn't tell him that. I looked at him unsteadily. "How did you know I that," I whispered fearfully.
"Let's just say I have many secrets," he smiled.
"Can you. . . Are you a telepath?"
Shawn seemed a bit disturbed at my question. His lips pursed for a moment as if he were searching for the right answer. "No, Rogue," he explained, "not exactly."
"Then how. . ."
"I'm more like the person who if I want you to get up. . . ." He made a motion toward me to get up.
I thought he was insane for a moment, expecting me to get up in this kind of pain. There was no way. . . . Suddenly my legs seemed to flex and stiffen. I felt a gasp in my throat as my body was propelled forward, my bones and muscles working on their own. Then. . .I was standing in front of Shawn, my pain suddenly gone. I stared at him in wonder.
". . . you'll get up."
I tried to move my legs but I found them frozen in place. Screwing my eyes toward him I stared. "How did you do that?"
"My dear Rogue," he sighed, "I'll tell you a little secret." He walked closer toward me until he was only a few inches away. "I'm what some would call. . . a mutant."
I felt my face turn toward him in horror. How could he, my boss, of all people. . . be a mutant? He had sent me on so many missions, some of them where they were actually mutants. He was sending me out to kill some of his own?
"My power is. . . Well, you know those little pulses from your brain that tell your body what to do? Let's just say Rogue, I'm the one who controls those pulses. . .and make them."
I stared blankly at him. Why was he telling me all this?
"You seem surprised Rogue. I bet I know something that will astonish you a bit more," he said with a grin on his face, "I'll tell you a story. I once was a man who could only control one person at a time. Then, I gained a wonderful little helper who helped me control others. . . that or rather their memories, their strengths. . . their powers."
He smiled at me quietly, with knowing eyes.
Grabbing my face in his hands, he hid his face behind a curtain of my hair. "That helper was you," he whispered in my ear.
My head jerked back from him. "What do you mean?!"
He stared at me joyfully. "Haven't you figured it out yet Rogue? You are just like me," he said, "You're a mutant."
The wheels in my head suddenly stopped, the world crashing around my ears. How. . . it wasn't possible. Me. . . a mutant? Shawn must have noticed my stunned glance because he started speaking to me.
"Yes, Rogue, you are a mutant. And what a very special power you have," he spoke as if fascinated with a new toy, "You were the perfect helper for me with your ability to absorb others. You simply touch them and all they are; they're memories, their life. . . their soul. . .all obtainable to you."
Fear spread through me like a virus, pouring through each and every vein. Why did I have such a horrible, fearful power? Why did I have such a curse?
"Don't look so appalled dear," Shawn tried to 'assure' me, "It is quite a special thing. . .Well that is. . .for me."
I looked at him and wondered out loud, "What. . .what could you possibly need me for?"
He seemed satisfied that I asked him. "Why Rogue. . . you were the perfect subject for me. With a little bit of skin contact, you absorbed everything I needed. I've always been a master of pulling the strings and you just happened to be the ideal little puppet. I had heard about you and your wonderful power.
After that, I searched for you everywhere. I finally found you though, in this very city in fact. You were living in that crack-head Xavier's school for freaks. But I sensed you there. I could practically smell you. And that's," he paused for a moment and stared at me, "when I came for you. I feasted on your loneliness and tugged your strings, finally convincing you to leave."
I was too shocked and let him continue. He combed through some of my hair and I felt my arms go numb when I tried to push him away. I was paralyzed.
"I had a bit of interference from some other brats, but finally I got you onto that train and up to the company. You practically leaped into my arms when I told you that I had a cure for your power. I showed you into the company and you never left. But. . .we had to do a bit of. . . convincing before you became a permanent member. When I lifted the haze off your mind, you attacked us. I found a way to shut you up."
"I simply cut off your powers."
He then reached into his pocket and withdrew a small handheld controller. It had a flashing red light that bleeped in his hand. Dangling it before me, he explained, "This helped me do it. You see, when we got you we inserted a serum into your body. The chemical components were strong enough to influence the halt of your powers, yet subtle enough to change with a slight electrical manipulation.
We also planted a small electrical charge unit inside your hand. One press of the button and the charge goes off, giving you simply the feeling of being light-headed."
Without being able to move, I simply stared at him. He. . .he controlled me? All this time he was controlling me?
"Why did you do this to me?"
Shawn sighed, "For your powers dear. That and because you were easy to manipulate. When I found you, you were already in the pits of depression. Bringing you here, I went through your mind and did a critical job. I erased all your memories of before, or rather I hid them from you. If you ever began getting clues or started to remember something, a migraine would seize you and I would be notified."
Flipping a hand through his hair, Shawn bit at his bottom lip. "With you memories returning and. . .well. . .a little mess up with your powers, I'm afraid were going to have to go through another eradication session. At least of your memories. After all," he said with a smile, "I don't want to lose my best agent."
With that said, he grabbed arm lightly. "Let's go back to the company Roguey."
My heart pounded in my chest. I had to get away. There was no way I was going back with this freak. I concentrated on moving my legs, my arms. . . .just moving. Concentrated all my energy.
Suddenly I felt a sudden twitch in my leg.
Opening my eyes, I saw Shawn struggling a bit, focusing on me. I imagined myself running toward the door. Slowly, my feet began to move and I was able to pick up speed. Reaching out, I shoved the struggling Shawn down with my shoulder and threw open the door. I raced down the steps, clattering down as fast as I could. My heart sped in my chest like never before.
I was on the last step. . . .
The guy at the desk was gone.
I pushed through the door and ran into the snow. . . .
I was almost away. . .
Then I heard him.
"Rogue, get your ass back over here."
Suddenly, my legs jerked to a halt and nearly threw me off balance before they turned and started walking me back to where I had come. As I saw Shawn's victorious grin, my eyes widened. "N. . No!"
Shawn's eyes narrowed dangerously as I approached him. "No need for shouting."
My lips instantly shut and I was then there, standing in front of him. With a slight huff, he picked my unresponsive body up, wrapping his arms around the crook of my legs and neck. Looking up at him, I tried to scream, but they were muffled by my sealed lips. He gave me a smile and planted a soft kiss on my forehead and muttered, "Sleep dear Rogue. Sleep."
I struggled as long as I could to stay awake as he carried me to his car, parked around the corner. Laying me in his back seat he slammed the door shut and climbed in, the roar of the engine seeming only like a faint purr from far away. Everything was growing distant. . . All far away.
"You'll be back home in no time, Roguey."
It was the last thing I heard before the darkness embraced me.
~
Wow. I actually updated. . . YEAH! ^_^ Amazing I know. Sorry it took F-O-R- E-V-E-R to update. I've been so busy lately and plus it took me forever to get past the writer's block on this story. Ah well, I got one up now didn't I?
Anywho, now that you guys have a bit of an explanation I hope that you understand it a bit further. I know that I've been confusing you guys to no end, but I'll try my best to explain. As for the switch with the powers, you'll see that in probably the next chapter or 2. I know this story is ending. I probably have about 3 maybe 4 (absolute tops) chapters left. I hope you guys have enjoyed it.
I'm just thankful that people read it and didn't give up on me. ^_^ Thanks. . . .
Well until the next chapter,
Ciao. ^_~
P.S. The next chapter will have Pietro's P.O.V. and will include more explanations. Especially on what happened to Pietro. Though I'm sure you've guessed it by now.