Previously: Sif delivered some news that the team was being deceived. Unfortunately, Fitzsimmons and Skye weren't present as they remained behind on the BUS. So without this knowledge, Skye booked Fitz and herself a train to go to Rome and give herself up for the sacrifice.
Chapter Twenty-Six
"What makes you say that?" Coulson asked of Sif's hunch that they were being tricked.
"The Inhuman species is alive and thriving. They have had many children over the last twenty-five years. If someone is telling you this is not true, they are lying. I have seen the babes with my own eyes on my last trip to Hala."
This was exactly what Coulson was afraid of. Wolfe had been lying to them.
But it was, in fact, a great relief. A massive relief. If they could just find a way to keep Graviton at bay there would be no reason for Skye to give herself up to these people. She could live.
"We found the Terrigen Crystals," said Ward. "Are those really used to give Inhumans powers?"
"Yes. The Crystals in the correct temperature of water create mists that Inhumans inherit their powers from, through Terragenisis."
"But your saying this ritual… it doesn't exist?" asked Coulson.
Sif shook her head. "There is no reason for it. The Inhuman species does not have need for such a thing. If your ally is to be a sacrifice, it is not for this purpose."
"So Wolfe is just a mad man that wants to see his daughter give herself up to be killed?" asked Ward, incredulous.
"Or there's a much worse outcome from the prophecy if Skye were to do it and he thought it may be hard to convince her, so he thought up some story," mused May.
"We have to get this information to the team," Coulson said, reaching for his phone. Strange this was, when he pulled it out, it was already ringing.
"They're breaking radio silence?" asked May.
"This can't be good," said Coulson, eagerly answering the device. "Hello?"
"I'm so sorry for breaking protocol sir, but I had to!" Simmons' panicked voice rang through from the other end. "I've looked everywhere. Both of their phones are turned off. There's no signs of struggle, but everything was fine and the blood samples are all gone-"
"Simmons, calm down," Coulson told her. "Tell me what's going on."
"It's Fitz and Skye sir! They're gone!"
"What do you mean gone?" he tried to clarify, prompting curious glances from everyone.
"They're not on the BUS, sir!" she told him frantically. "I went to sleep and I thought Skye did as well at the same time. Fitz was monitoring her from the computers in the lab… When I woke up they were just nowhere to be found, and I checked everywhere."
"Did you check the surveillance?" he asked her.
"Yes, it cuts out just after I go to my room," she said, leaving a long pause full of dread afterwards. "Do you think they were taken?"
"I don't know," Coulson said. "But from what you're describing I think Skye may have just convinced Fitz that she needed to leave."
"But… no! Skye wouldn't do that," protested Simmons. "She told me she wouldn't go anywhere and… and we had a really lovely night. It just doesn't make sense…"
She broke off into sniffles and Coulson could see he wouldn't get much more from the scientist.
"Ok Simmons, listen to me. If you come into contact with them get them this information: Wolfe was lying. The Inhuman species is fine, so there's no reason Skye would have to sacrifice herself."
"W-what?" Her voice was loud with disbelief. "But… then what does Wolfe want with her?"
Coulson sighed, pushing his fingers into his forehead. "We don't know."
"And she's walking right into their hands! Oh no, oh god…"
"You need to calm down," Coulson told her firmly. "When you hang up the phone message them the information in case they turn theirs back on. Then search the plane to see if you can find any semblance of clues."
A few more sniffles came from the other end before she spoke.
"Oh… alright," she said, seeming to grow accustomed to the information. "Ok, yes you're right. I'll do just that. And what will you do, sir?"
"We'll head to Rome and see if we can cut them off."
After some rushed goodbyes Coulson hung up the phone, looking back to his team and the unreadable Asgardian.
"That didn't sound good," said May.
"It wasn't," Coulson told her before his gaze shifted to Sif. "I know you said this was a short visit, but is there any way you can you stick around a while and help us?"
"I was only supposed to come deliver the message and depart…" she said uncertainly. "But if it is of great importance, perhaps I can spare some time."
"I feel like it might be," said Coulson. "Wolfe was threatening Skye with the destruction of entire cities, maybe even the whole planet if she didn't give herself up. If he thought that motivation wouldn't be enough that he felt the need to lie to her, I've got a real bad feeling about what the real prophecy entails."
"This is actually kind of funny," Skye said as she pulled her gaze away from the train window. It was too dark to see much, but she could make out some of the large countryside.
"What?" asked Fitz, voice laced with confusion.
"It's just that we were barely ever alone on field assignments… me and you I mean. We're both techies, so we didn't get out much. Even when we were together Simmons would be around, but last time it was just you and me on a train in Italy." Skye shrugged. "Now it is again."
"Hmm, I suppose that is a bit funny," Fitz nodded his head as he mused. "In a coincidental way, not quite in the ha-ha way."
"No, definitely not ha-ha funny," she agreed, before looking out the window again.
I wonder if I'm going to laugh again before I die.
The unwelcome thought popped into her head before she even could think to stop it, not that thinking usually could stop thoughts. The stuff you don't want to dwell on seems to always twist its way into one's brain. Really only one way to stop thinking: keep talking.
"And what's weird about that trip too is that it ended with me being shot, and now here I am walking off to another death sentence."
Maybe Skye said it too lightly, but she really did think it was funny. Quite the coincidence. Of course, it could just be that her current situation made her feel as though she were PMSing times one-hundred, and caused her to find humor in the event.
Fitz' didn't look amused.
"I know…" she sighed. "Not ha-ha funny, right?"
"Certainly not," he answered stiffly.
Skye's eyes drifted away from him, back out of the window. She knew it was probably weird and uncomfortable for her to talk about her death that way, but it was happening. Shouldn't she be allowed to discuss it the way she wanted to?
Her mind apparently decided that to be a no, because they didn't talk for the rest of the trip to Rome.
When they did get there, the duo took a taxi to the main city from the train station, passing up large buildings and a more industrialized area than Skye would have thought Rome to be. She'd heard of the Colosseum and ruins and stuff, so she just figured it would be just a historic, older looking city. It was more like it had been an ancient city, but a new one built up around it and tried to preserve what was left, which was basically the truth.
Skye could see the first of the day's light trying to make its appearance as they neared the center of the city, the darkness of night now seeming to dissipate away into a cool blue. It was almost too hopeful a sight for how she felt; with what her predicament was.
They passed up large buildings that seemed structured and important, though she couldn't be sure as she didn't know anything about Rome. If Fitz did, brainiac as he was, she wouldn't know, as he still wasn't saying anything. But Skye didn't think he was angry at her for talking about her death so flippantly. She guessed he just didn't want to say the wrong thing.
They glanced at ruins of the Forum on their way and Skye couldn't help but smile at the immense amount of history in front of her, even if she didn't know the facts behind it.
It was then that Fitz took her hand.
He held it all the way as they went to the Colosseum, which was big and old and impressive, just as Skye had imagined or could tell from pictures. She was nearly grateful for Wolfe to pick such a beautiful place to meet, but it was difficult to feel any amount of appreciation for that man. Scratch that; more like impossible.
"This is the entrance," mumbled Fitz. "But of course it isn't open at the moment, being so early. You don't think they want you to go inside?"
Skye shrugged.
"All he said was Colosseum in Rome," she told him, thinking back to her helpless state as she was given the instructions. She felt her breathing increase at the thought, bringing panic anew.
Not only was she being sacrificed, she had no idea what the ritual entailed or what they were going to do with her until it was time. Not to mention, every moment of life that was left would be with Wolfe. He may have been her father, but she realized as her panic peaked:
She was terrified of him.
"Skye?" Fitz' pitied and concerned voice suddenly rang out; making her notice she was shaking.
"I'm scared, Fitz," she admitted in strained tones.
"Hey," he said firmly, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You are the strongest person I know."
"Tch, yeah…"
"No it's true! If anyone can do this, save a species, you can."
Skye only lifted her quaking lips slightly to grin, as she was afraid if she actually tried to voice anything her tears would escape. She may have been a trembling terrified mess, but she was sick as hell of crying.
"Hello, Skye."
Skye's eyes widened. Not in fear but in surprise, though she wasn't sure why. It would make sense that she would be here.
"Raina," Skye acknowledged, the annoyance brought on by hearing her voice effectively ending her shaking. "This is just the cherry on top of a perfect experience."
"I assumed you wouldn't be happy to see me," Raina told her, walking calmly forward, her heels echoing across the pavement. "But we thought you may feel more at ease with me than… others."
Maybe not at ease, but Skye sure as hell felt more control. Which was stupid. She was giving herself up to these people to do whatever they wanted to her. Of course she didn't have anything remotely resembling control, save the choice to have come here.
But she'd rather feel the anger, annoyance and frustration brought on by Raina than straight fear by Wolfe.
"So you've just been hanging out underneath the Roman Collosseum for a few days? That sounds obnoxious. I mean it's not like you knew when I was going to show up."
She chuckled, only heightening Skye's annoyance. "Of course we knew when you were going to come. Your team hasn't been the only one monitoring you."
Skye and Fitz shared a look.
"How do you know that? How've you been watching?" he asked.
"Does it really matter?" Raina asked as she quirked a brow.
"No, it doesn't," Skye realized with resignation as her eyes drifted to the side.
All of sudden a sleek black car drove up. It looked expensive, but Skye couldn't tell what the make was. Raina sashayed up to the vehicle and opened a back door to what seemed to be pristine leather seats, gesturing for Skye to enter.
"Shall we?" she asked, and Skye almost felt her shaking return. She warded it away the best she could, focusing on the fact this reminded her of a scene from some bad cop movie. Raina continued. "Your friend can make the drive as well, if it makes you more comfortable."
Skye wanted to scream "yes!" as loud as she could. Any moments left with a familiar face would be heaven to her. But she knew she couldn't put Fitz in danger like that.
Surprisingly, she didn't have to.
"I'd quite like to do that, actually," Fitz said, stepping up.
"No, Fitz," protested Skye. "You can't put yourself in danger like that."
"You're giving up your life, Skye. I think… I think I could take a small car ride so you don't have to be alone."
He was being so brave for her; it was amazing. God, she wished she didn't have to go…
"Are we ready then?" Raina prompted, her even voice pricking on Skye's nerves.
Skye was ready to sneer another remark when she felt Fitz' hand entwine with hers again. She couldn't help but feel subdued by the gesture, and they both clambered into the back of the car. After shutting the door, Raina went to the front seat next to the unknown driver.
"Do I get to know where we're going?" Skye asked.
"You'll know when we arrive," said Raina.
"Great," she replied flatly, pursing her lips. "I'm guessing I don't get an ETA either?"
Raina grinned, as though Skye's questions amused her. "We're just going a few minutes."
A few minutes. A few minutes and the unknown would become known, Fitz would be gone….
Skye watched as Rome passed them by, the streets becoming busier as the sun rose in the sky. Sunrise always reminded her of hope. Right now it was just reminding her of another thing she wouldn't see again, along with her team, her laptop, any of her few belongings. Maybe they would even take her phone.
The thought scared Skye, even though she hadn't even thought to bring a charger. She did have a week left of life so she brought a bag of clothes – despite knowing if she'd be permitted to wear them or not – but keeping her phone charged or on her completely slipped her mind.
The thought made a slight panic run through her and she quickly got out her cell and, using the hand that Fitz wasn't currently clutching, turned it on.
She didn't have time for letters now, but she could at least send quick goodbyes. She had to, and she couldn't believe she hadn't realized it earlier. Fitz suggested they turn off their phones… but no, she had to do this.
When Skye turned on the device she wasn't surprised by the amount of messages she had. After all, she did do exactly what they were trying not to. But the content of the message was a different story.
INHUMANS FINE.
WOLFE LYING.
PROPHECY DOESN'T EXIST.
Skye's heart beat faster than she thought possible as it dropped down in the pit of her stomach. She gasped, held her breath, bit her lip. She had to stop herself from having any sort of reaction and it was proving incredibly difficult.
The hacker looked around the still car and couldn't believe how quiet it sounded. Other than the blow from the air conditioning there was nothing, and she could swear they'd be able to hear the thumping of her terrified heart.
She discreetly tapped Fitz, who didn't seem to understand she was trying to do it under the radar.
"What is it, Skye?" he asked, and Skye noticed Raina cock her head to listen.
"Um… nothing. Never mind," she said lamely, but held out the phone so he could read the message. His eyes grew large.
When she knew he'd finished reading from his reaction she began to furiously type, once again holding out the phone for him.
WHEN CAR STOPS, RUN.
He nodded with determination. He must have been scared, but he was holding himself together better than Skye could have hoped.
The next minutes crawled on slowly, but eventually the car did stop. Skye had been trying to map out the area with her mind as they drove. They'd ended up in the more residential area of the city, and it almost reminded Skye of where she'd used to keep her van parked in LA. They were definitely in an alley.
Skye saw Raina's head turn around to talk to them, but she wasn't going to get the chance if Skye had anything to say about it.
"Run!" Skye hollered, and they burst out of their respective doors.
"This way!" Fitz called, ushering her over to his side of the car. She sprinted over to him and prepared to keep going.
But she couldn't.
Skye made a startled grunted noise as someone grabbed her around the middle and began to drag her backwards. Her foot pounded into the man's as soon as she was restrained. When that did nothing to deter him, she turned her head about to go for the face, maybe try to bite or headbutt, but she was too shocked at whom she saw to continue.
"Fitz?" she gasped.
It actually made sense. There wasn't anyone else close enough to have grabbed her so quickly, but the thought that he would have stopped her escape was incredulous. Not to mention, when Skye thought about it, she should have easily been able to overcome him. She was training to be a field agent and knew for a fact her muscles were bigger than his.
She'd stopped digging her heels into the pavement for a few moments with the shock and had been easily gilded back to the car, but picked up the fight again once her mind caught up.
"Fitz what are you doing? Let go of me, you have to stop!"
"What's going on?" asked Raina, closing her car door as Fitz effortlessly rearranged his hands so that Skye's arms were pinned at her sides, his own still wrapped around her torso. Why could he keep hold of her so easily? She felt like a bodybuilder was holding her. Even her kicks that hit him seemed to do nothing.
"She knows," Fitz stated coldly. It was a voice Skye had never heard before from the man.
"Oh, well that is a shame," said Raina, before her lip curled upwards cruelly. "Somewhat a relief as well."
"What did you do to him?" Skye demanded, but got no response. She turned her head around to face her friend. "Fitz, I'm your friend, you have to snap out of it. You don't want to do this-"
"Hush!" he snapped at her and Skye felt a pang of misery at the fact that it was Fitz' voice ordering her. She redirected her focus to the woman in front of her, anger and desperation spitting out with every word.
"You did something to him! You messed with his brain! Put him back!"
Skye felt like a dog on a leash as she tried to lash out at the woman with kicks and struggling, but Raina merely smiled at her. It wasn't even her signature tight-lipped small smile; it was a full-blown sneer. But still, she didn't bother to respond to Skye's words, her gaze instead shifting back to Fitz.
"Does this mean we get to go to plan B?" she asked.
He shrugged, pulling off the gesture well enough with Skye squirming in his arms. "I don't see why not."
Skye's eyes flicked rapidly about the alley that held no one in sight. She just needed out, an escape. Her mind couldn't process this. She didn't understand any of it, confusion flooding through her.
"What's plan B? What do you people want!" Skye shouted, her voice turning decidedly desperate. "Fitz please, you don't know what you're doing."
"Oh dear god… her voice," Fitz complained harshly. "You have no idea how much this one prattles on."
"I spent time with her. She's as talkative as she is foolish."
A passionate anger rile up inside Skye at that, her tone morphing from desperation to one of rage and spite.
"Yeah, well your voices don't sound too angelic either!" she screamed at them, but they stared at her just as calmly.
"See?" said Raina.
"Believe me, I know," said Fitz with exasperation.
"Just get her inside," Raina said, admonishing her coolly. "We have plenty ways to get her quiet."
"Yeah, good idea."
Skye felt a kick on the back of her legs that forced her resisting knees to buckle as she was moved forward. As her heels dug into the ground strenuously, she saw the lonely door they were heading for. That door could hold anything. She didn't know why they wanted her now, why she'd been lied to. She had no clue what would happen once she went through that door. The last thing she wanted was to find out, but she just kept getting closer.
"No, no, no, no," she muttered quickly as the building approached. Pathetically. She summoned her bravery from whatever corner it had run off to. "Coulson will kill you when he finds me," she managed to growl. It was the only threat she could think of. "They all will!"
But all she got were laughs in return, and Skye's brazen attitude vanished. It vanished along with most of her pride, which was banished to some far off place when she began to scream for help at the top of her lungs. The noise escaped for only mere moments before Fitz' hand muzzled her mouth, far too tight for Skye to get her jaw open enough to bite.
The short plea for help she'd managed to elicit must have not been enough as none came. No one ran to her aid. No one seemed to care about the girl being kidnapped in the alley on the otherwise tranquil morning.
The sun finally made an appearance just before she was dragged inside, blinding her eyes with a viscous glare just before being pulled into the equally unforgiving dark.
A/n: Hey guys, hope you're enjoying! Get ready for some action... stuff. Ish. I think so.
I would just like to take a moment to thank Shadow375, Jango27, Marvel-Tolkien Fangirl, and Belle97 for their multiple reviews and chats that keep this story going! Chocolatebackground, websky, EpicPackage... you all rock, so thanks!
And to all those lurkers who are following my other story and might have missed it, I posted a new chap of that Tuesday. (My fanfic email was being wonky so I thought I'd mention.)