True Lies
Chapter 34
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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"Nice shot," Agent Darkhölme said. Two agents and two princes lay the relic room. "How long will they be out?"
"Couple of hours," Agent Barton replied. He lowered his bow. "But they will be a little groggy when they wake."
Agent Darkhölme walked over the boys and placed a collar on each one. Teenagers had too many hormones to control all their powers, but the collars helped with that. Her lover was another story.
"You look worried," Agent Romanoff said as she checked on Fury.
"The princes will be fine. It was the only way to calm down the commotion without a disaster like last time," Agent Barton assured her.
"I know. That's not what I am worried about," she replied.
Agent Howlett lay face up on the floor. The hardest part of them working together was the constant fear of losing each other. Her relationships often went sour. This one was one of the longest she had in a while. But James…James could be complicated.
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Rooftop
Genosha
Emil Lapin pulled the drive from the drone. He had been scanning Lord Magnus's mansion and surrounding areas all day. He collected three drives worth of data. That had to be enough for the job.
He took the drone apart and strategically placed in the briefcase. That's when he heard the sound.
Boom.
They walked down the street like that.
Boom.
The terminators that sounded like the T-Rex on Jurassic Park.
Boom
Emil checked his watch. It was early. It wasn't supposed to be so early.
BOOM.
Or maybe Remy set him up.
BOOM.
Remy was his cousin, but still a mutant. Why wouldn't he want to live on an island with other mutants?
BOOM.
Emil slipped into the stairwell as it approached closer.
Stairwell
Genosha
There was an awkward silence before it happened. That moment when you could hear a building settle or a mosquito buzzing.
Then all that was broken. It bore its arms through the walls. It didn't care what it hurt in the process of fulfilling its mission. Screams filled the silence, but they didn't come from Emil. He felt the electric shock. Then saw darkness.
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LATER THAT SAME EVENING
Art Museum: Piotr Rasputin's Exhibit
Rogue walked with Augustus through the art gallery. She should have felt happy, but she felt like she was parading around with a fake smile on her face. Augustus got off of work in time to take her to dinner and the art gallery; he even bought her flowers. The night was great, romantic, but she didn't feel right. She didn't know how to explain it.
"You've been quiet since I picked you up," Augustus said. He squeezed her hand. "Something bothering you."
"No."
That was a lie. He probably knew that too, but she held her best poker face.
"Look, I wanted to talk to you about us," Augustus said. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the top of her hand. "No pressure."
"Okay."
"Why don't I get us each a drink?"
"I could use a glass of wine."
"Coming right up."
When he walked away, she felt relieved, but didn't know why. She should have been excited to be with him that night. There work schedules often made it hard for them to have a nice night out on the town. She didn't know how some of the other agents made their relationships work.
Relationship? Was that what this was? She wasn't quite sure. Yes, she enjoyed Augustus' company, and he could be a gentleman, but there was no spark—or at least she didn't feel it.
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"Ya hair looks nice," Remy said, as he walked with BellaDonna around the art gallery.
"So ya notice t'ings now," BellaDonna spat. "What are ya guilty of doin'?"
"Can't I give my wife a compliment?"
BellaDonna eyed him. She still had trouble trusting him. Of course, that had to do with the fact she was an assassin and he was a thief; however, it had more to do with the fact he cheated on her over five years ago and she never let him forget it. "Merci."
Her response was filled with venom, so he chose to ignore it. He didn't want to fight again.
"Why did ya bring me here?" she asked as they paused in front of a painting.
"Dought we needed to get out some. Act like a husband and wife."
"Remy, ya know I got plannin' ta do," BellaDonna replied. It was typical. She always thought of the guilds first. "I am waitin on Emil's scans, and I should be analyzin' every angle of projection."
"Guild business can wait one night."
"Ya never take our work seriously."
"I take it seriously, but I wanna have a life beyond de guilds!"
"Keep ya voice down," BellaDonna fussed and whispered. "We're in public."
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"Thank you," Rogue replied when Augustus handed her the wine. They walked together, separated by the drink in her hand. Augustus was a great guy, but she didn't feel any connection to him. It was like she was missing the other half of her soul.
"Have you seen Piotr yet?" Augustus asked.
"No, I haven't seen Kitty here either," Rogue replied when she glanced around the room. "The crowd for Piotr's exhibit was his best yet. He had grown as an artist throughout the year. Rogue envied his freedom.
"About us."
"Oh. I think everything is going great with us."
"I know, but…" Augustus paused, or perhaps she wasn't paying attention to what he was say. He was handsome and smart and the perfect guy on paper, but what the hell was her problem? "I was thinking we need to take things to the next level…in our relationship."
"Oh." Rogue blushed. She knew exactly what he meant, but that didn't mean she wasn't nervous about that.
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Remy stared off in the distance. Something wasn't right. Nothing seemed right.
"Remy, once we git dis job done…" BellaDonna looked away from him. Even she didn't believe the lie she said next. "We can focus on other t'ings."
"Dere will always be another job we gotta do, Bel." Remy shook his head. He stared at a painting on the wall. It looked so familiar.
The water was cold, but he didn't care when he heard her scream. He jumped in willingly and pulled her out of the water.
"Who are you, Chère?" he asked as she coughed. Her short white hair plastered to her face, but her blue eyes peeked through.
BellaDonna stood next to him, perplexed by what he was staring so intently at. "Remy, we are next in line to lead de guilds. We gotta prove ourselves worthy before we can make other plans. We can't blow dis contract."
He just stared at the painting. The memory swimming around in his head.
"Are ya even listenin' ta me?"
"Ororo," he said. Remy turned to his wife. He didn't know why that name popped in his head.
BellaDonna held a lot of restraint when she replied, "Who de hell is Ororo?"
Remy shook his head. "I don't…I…I…" He didn't know, but the memory was in his head. He saw it clear as day. "I don't know."
If she wanted to, BellaDonna could have killed him right then and there. Instead, she slapped him across the face hard enough for the entire museum to turn in their direction.
When Remy turned to face her again, BellaDonna was storming away. He tried to follow her, but she slipped out of his sight. He knew better than to find her.
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Rogue met with Kitty and Jubilee, while Augustus took a phone call. Her friends were elated to see her again, but she didn't have the energy to be as cheery.
"Did you see this turn out?" Kitty said. "Piotr is ecstatic. He invited like everyone he met."
"The place is busy," Rogue admitted. She recognized several friendly faces. "Where is Piotr?"
"He's talking to a columnist for a newspaper," Kitty squealed. "He's going to be in the papers!"
"You have to excuse her. She's had one to many sips of wine," Jubilee teased.
It was enough to make Rogue smile. She looked around the room, seeing Piotr talking on the side with man with a tape recorder. She was happy for him and Kitty. Everything was going great in their lives, but she couldn't help but be jealous.
That's when she noticed him. Across the room, his pair of eyes met hers. Those eyes were so unique. Red on black with a slight glow. Her cheeks reddened when she realized how long she held his attention. He smiled briefly—shyly—and turned away.
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He should have chased after her, but didn't they cause enough of a scene? The truth was that their marriage had been falling apart since their wedding. The guilds were united. That was the goal, right?
Remy walked around the exhibit for a few more minutes. His invitation to an up-and-coming artist proved effective. He explored a wing of the museum he hadn't yet, and he already saw five paintings that he knew buyers were searching for.
That's when he noticed her. Across the room, her eyes met his. Those eyes were beautiful. Emerald green that sparkled when she blushed. He smiled briefly—shyly—and turned away. He was married man, even though that marriage fell apart years ago.
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"Sorry, I've been away," Piotr apologized as he kissed Kitty on the lips. "That's the third interview I've had."
Rogue envied their relationship. Kitty and Piotr made things look easy like one of those Hallmark movies.
"Don't apologize," Kitty said. "It's your night."
"So what do you think?" Piotr asked.
Everyone gave their responses. Rogue was the last to share hers. "This is great Piotr." She was distracted really. Her eyes followed the mysterious man around the room. "These paintings…I don't know what to say."
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Helicarrier over Genosha
Agent Darkhölme docked the jet on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier over Genosha. The trip was supposed to be a meeting between human and mutant S.H.I.E.L.D. special agents to discuss the missing bracelets. It was bad enough two humans illegally entered Genosha, but when the meeting turned into an extraction, that's when things got ugly.
"I want you to explain to me what happened Agent Darkhölme," Director Frost demanded the moment she open the jet doors.
The woman wore too much white. Raven was sure bleach was the blonde's best friend.
"Really, that's what you are thinking?" Director Frost said.
"I had a long day," Agent Darkhölme replied. "How did the princes get off Genosha without anyone noticing?"
"It was like some sort of glitch," Director Frost replied.
Agent Darkholme sighed. There was always some sort of a glitch.
"Bring the princes back to the palace," Director Frost ordered. "I want a full report on my desk by tomorrow morning."
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S.H.I.E.L.D. Underground Tunnels
Kurt signed out for the evening and met with Morty before leaving the mansion. He felt drained, and so did his colleague.
"With all the commotion about the Genoshan Independence Day, I've been having trouble keeping tabs on Princess Lorna," Morty complained. "I stopped counting all the meetings I attended."
"Same here. Princess Wanda has shown an unusual pattern today," Kurt explained. "She was actually in the garden."
"She never leaves the mansion walls."
"This time, she did," Kurt replied.
Kurt and Morty walked the underground tunnels from the mansion to the security gate. Kurt could have easily BAMFed, and Morty could have easily hopped. They were just on special duty leading up the Independence Day, but their current team leader like to make up special rules for them to follow.
"Agent Darkhölme. Agent Toynbee. I ain't got all day," their leader grunted.
Kurt scanned his I.D. and confirmed his identity via eye scanner. "You can sniff out who we are Victor."
Morty didn't dare argue or get in the way of the family dynamic that seemed to complicate the Darkhölme family.
"It is Special Agent Victor Creed. Remember that," Victor reminded him. "And I ain't happy about this little arrangement James set up either. You must have really pissed him off for him to lend you out to me."
Kurt smirked. "Something like that."
"Now get your asses out of my hair," Victor growled and walked off.
"Awkward," Morty said as they headed out. "I don't know who hates you more, James or Victor."
"I've tried not to wonder too much about the men my mother sleeps with," Kurt replied.
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Krakoa Apartments
Genosha
Augustus grabbed Rogue's hand as they walked down the hallway to her apartment. "Are you sure you are alright?" he asked for the tenth time that night.
Rogue wasn't sure. She didn't feel like herself. It was almost as if she absorbed too many people at one time. Her head was fuzzy. "It's just been a long day."
"You had the day off," Augustus reminded her as they stopped in front of her apartment.
Rogue couldn't argue with him. She had the day to do whatever she wanted, but instead of relaxing, she had nearly every minute planned. "I was busy. I guess I didn't slow down at all."
"Why not slow down now," he said and kissed her.
She didn't feel anything. Pulse's power to cancel out other mutants' powers was a blessing to her, but something was not right. She didn't feel anything when she kissed him. No sparks. No fireworks. No weakened knees. It was like they didn't belong together.
Augustus smiled when they broke from their kiss. "James and your mom back in town yet?"
Rogue fiddled with the keys in her hands. She knew where he was going with this. "They are returning in the morning."
"Good to know."
"Yeah."
"Are you going to invite me in?" Augustus asked. "Or do I have to beg?"
Rogue blushed at the idea of his spending the night, but again, a part of her said that this wasn't right. The conflict within her was strong. She wanted to be with him, but he wasn't her soulmate. Why? Why? That didn't make sense to her.
She felt hypnotized by his red eyes and the long southern drawl of his words. She loved him. "Remy, mah real name, it's—"
"Hush. Names don' mean nuthin' t'me. Names don' make us what we are inside. An' I know what's inside you, Chere—"
She was lost in her own little world, until the next words that came out of Augustus's mouth.
"Anna Marie."
Rogue stepped back from him. "What did you call me?"
"Anna Marie," Augustus repeated. "It's your name."
"I never told you that. I never told anyone that," Rogue shook her head. She was so confused. The memory was so real. No one knew her name. She didn't even tell…tell… "Please. Leave."
Augustus stood dumbfounded by response, but he knew better than to follow her inside.
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Lord Magnus's Palace
Princess Wanda's Room
Talia ran around the bedroom laughing and playing, enough to make Wanda's head spin. But wasn't it spinning already?
Wanda was exhausted. She could hear all their voices in her head. She just needed time. Just a little time.
Help?
Yes, she needed help.
A purple robed woman appeared in the room. Her wild graying curls failed to be maintained by a hair clip. "How are you, Wanda? You need any help watching the little one."
Wanda smiled. The friendly face was a nice addition to her lie. "Yes, Agatha. You mind watching Talia while I discuss things with the boys. They should be arriving soon."
"Okey Dokey Smokey. We are going to have us a good ole time."
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Genosha Casino
Penthouse Suite
When Remy entered the penthouse suite, he instantly noticed the red dot on his chest. "Really. Ya gonna shoot me, Bel."
"Why shouldn't I?"
"Cuz ya can't finish dis here job wit'out me." He waited a moment, while she thought that over. When the red dot on his chest disappeared, he knew he was in the clear.
BellaDonna sat on the lounge with a gun in her hand. While most husbands would be nervous about their wives in such a position, it was just another day for a thief married to an assassin. "Don't t'ink I need ya around just fa dis job, Cher."
"Is dere a reason all my clothes be thrown in de hallway?" Remy asked. Perhaps, she should have shot him. Knowing their marriage was near its end was painful enough.
"I t'ink de reason is obvious," she replied.
Remy ignored her response and walked over to the bar. She still lay on the lounge, while he made himself a drink. "So what do ya want ta do?" he asked, taking a sip of whisky. "Or should I ask, what do ya t'ink de guild expects?"
"I know what de guild expects," she said. She joined him by the bar, and he poured her a drink. "Our parents bring it up every time we have dinner wit them."
Remy didn't reply. He just focused on his drink. Being married was about unifying the guilds. The continuous questions about a baby where overwhelming. The guilds weren't really united until an heir was present. He sipped the whisky until he finished his glass. "I'm gonna go check on Emil. See if he's got dem scans. I'll be back in de mornin."
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Lord Magnus's Palace
Throne Room
Wanda stood in the middle of the throne room as Agent Darkhölme greeted her. William and Thomas stood by the agent's side. They seemed drugged, and the collars around their necks kept their powers as bay.
"Princess Wanda, we found your sons in New York," Agent Darkhölme explained.
Wanda nodded politely, letting the story play out before she said, "Were the collars necessary?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Agent Darkhölme replied. "The boys took out two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents—one of them human."
"I see."
Wanda stepped forward, and the boys looked her in the eye. "You are dismissed, Agent Darkhölme. I will handle things from here."
"Princess Wanda—"
"I said I'll handle things," Wanda replied.
Agent Darkhölme excused herself. The boys wished she could have stayed, but their mother was the one in control.
Billy and Tommy hung their heads as they stepped towards her. They were in trouble. Big trouble. That was for sure. However, this time seemed different compared to the rest.
"What were you boys thinking?" she asked. Her boots echoed her steps in the hollow room. "I'm trying to keep you safe."
"Mutter, what did you do?" Billy asked. He glanced up long enough to make eye contact. She was angry and her fingertips were black.
She sighed and held her head high. "I opened the door for us to be together."
Tommy smiled, but only briefly. They wanted to be with her too, but there were consequences to her actions. "Mutter, everything is different."
"I know," she smiled. There was a red glimmer in her eye. "This way, we can be together."
"Mutter…"
"Don't question me."
"Yes, ma'am."
She smiled and snapped her fingers, and the collars on their necks fell off. "Now, you boys go to room. No more trouble. Okay."
They nodded. They knew better than to test her.
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S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier
Genosha
Agent Darkhölme folded her arms as she watched her lover go through test after test. He was still unconscious, which was not like him at all. She thought by the time she dropped off the princes that his condition would have changed.
"He's fine," the doctor said as he reviewed the scans and tests that had been performed since their arrival. "Young mutants don't have a lot of control over their powers, but I don't think Prince Billy's powers were enough to hurt someone like Agent Howlett. And Agent Barton's arrows gave more like an electric shock than anything else. He's just out longer than expected"
"You can at least tell me something, Dr. McCoy. James went berserk long before I arrived."
"Raven, you know—"
"I don't want the run around, Hank," she fussed. "I want to know why he claimed to hear voices in his head."
"Raven, I cannot explain what happened in New York anymore than you can. I listened to the tapes you provided and been examining him while you brought the princes safely back to the palace," Dr. McCoy explained. "His mutation has given him a longer life than the average mutant. You know that."
"But I know James," she argued. "He's never been this out of control. Even during war."
"Raven, you need to calm down," Hank replied.
She nodded but didn't want to be calm. Something wasn't right with what was going on.
"Did you call your son or daughter since you left New York?"
She shook her head. "No, Rogue was going out with her boyfriend, and Kurt has been on bodyguard duty with the Genosha Independence a week away. I didn't want to bother them. "
"Perhaps, you should call one of them," Hank suggested.
"I have a report to write up."
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Wanda glanced around her. In theory, she was alone. That's right. Theory.
"Stop fighting me," she said. They could be anywhere.
"You can't do this forever."
"You don't know that."
"You know this is wrong."
"What you two did was wrong?"
"Wanda, let them go."
"You will not take them from me again."
"Let us help you."
"I don't want your help."
"Wanda."
"When you love someone, you should set them free."
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Happy Thanksgiving!
