Tegan goes to the city to find the Oracle but ends up with more than she bargained for in the shape of 'the king of the Exiles'.

A/N: Quiet a long chapter this time with a little bit of violence.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Asked Aidan, as I packed the last of the things I would need for my trip.

"No, you have already had one day off work because of me. I will be fine, it's not too far away and if I can't find the Oracle then I will go and see how my aunt is doing."

"I know.. I just worry about you, Tee. I just hope you know what you are doing."

Beep, beep! The sound of a car horn filtered in from the street.

"That's my taxi." I said, getting my bag.

"Okay then.. can you ring me when you get there?"

"I will Hun," and I gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Bye."

"Bye. Love you."

"I love you too." I walked down the steps to the waiting taxi. I gave the driver the directions to the Oracle's and then waved to Aidan as we pulled away. I let out a heavy sigh and looked out the window.

An hour later and we were pulling outside a rather dilapidated building. It had been a long time since I had been there, but it looked the same as I remembered.

"Can you wait for me?" I asked the driver, and he said it would be fine.

As I walked towards the building, I felt the same nervousness I felt seven years ago, and I had no idea why. There was a gentleman sitting opposite the elevators. He had dark glasses on and a stick. 'Must be blind', I thought.

"If you are looking for the Oracle, then you are too late." He said, and I turned around to look at him.

"Oh, has she gone out? Did she say when she would be back?"

"She has been gone for almost a week. Taken away by some men, something was said about a Frenchman..."

*The Merovingian.* Snarled Smith.

"That's right, they were taking her to him, she hasn't been seen since."

*Smith, he heard you.* Who was this man? "Where will I find this, Merovingian?" I asked.

"He owns that classy restaurant Downtown, he is there most of the time."

"OK, thank you for your help."

"No worries, Miss, shame he won't help you, but you could always ask. I hear he likes a pretty face." He chuckled.

*So what now, Smith? Isn't this the same guy you said was dangerous?* I said as I made my way out of the building.

*Yes, it is. However, it would be in our best interest to follow this lead. Even if he does not have the Oracle in his custody, he might have some idea as to her whereabouts.*

*I had a feeling that you were going to say that.*

My taxi was still waiting for me and I asked the driver if he knew of a classy French restaurant downtown, lucky for me he did.

While I was in the car, I rang Aidan just to let him know that I had arrived safe and sound and was about to see the Oracle. I didn't tell him everything as I didn't want him to worry.

"Here we are," announced the driver, I looked out the window to see a very posh looking building, a sign read "Le Vrai."

*The Real,* translated Smith.

I thanked the cab driver and paid my fare, and walked towards the restaurant. I just hoped that this was the right place. The doors opened, and I was confronted by an elevator, which I warily stepped into. The door shut soundless, and the elevator began to rise by itself. It wasn't a long ride to the restaurant floor, but my palms were sweaty. With a 'ding', the doors opened, and I walked out to the lobby. To my left was a man standing at a podium. I walked over to him nervously.

"Puis-je vous aider?" The Maître d' asked, without looking up at me.

*Oh God, Smith, what did he say?* My French is rusty, to say the least.

*He wants to know if he can help you.*

"I would like to speak to the Merovingian, please."

"Do you 'ave an appointment?" He asked in a thick French accent, again he did not look at me.

"Er.. Not exactly."

The Maître d' finally looked up when I said this and raised his eyebrow. "Hmm.. follow me."

He opened the doors behind his podium, and my ears were met with the sounds you would expect from a busy, high-end restaurant. The twittering of chatter could be heard over the sounds of cutlery and wine glasses. The restaurant was extremely luxuriant, with black marbled pillars and stained glass at the windows. Not the sort of establishment I found myself in every day, or at all.

The Maître d' stopped and turned to face me. "Excuse me, one moment." and he walked through to the back of the restaurant. I watched him go over to a table up on a dais and whisper something into a man's ear who I figured was the Merovingian. He looked over at me and said something to the Maître 'd, who then came back over.

"The Merovingian will see you now. Please follow me."

I was shaking! I had never felt so nervous as I walked through the restaurant. Everyone looked auspicious and wealthy, and here I was, completely and utterly out of my depth. I was so nervous that I actually walked into the maître d' as I hadn't noticed that he had stopped walking.

"S... sorry."

Again, another rise of the eyebrow. The Merovingian sat a little straighter in his chair as he regarded me in interest. He appeared to be a rather sophisticated gentleman and oozed 'underworld crime boss' from every pore. He was flanked by two heavy set men. The chair next to him was empty.

"How can I help you, mademoiselle?" He spoke with a French accent that seemed rather put on to me.

"Sorry to bother you, Sir, but my name is Tegan Mills. I wish to see the Oracle and I was told that the last person to see her was you and now she has gone missing and I am trying to find her." I said, trying not to let my voice show my nervousness.

"Ah! So you want your fortune told? Come, sit next to me, for I can tell you your fortune." He gave me a rueful smile and gestured to the empty chair.

I stood my ground. I wasn't going to be taken in by his charm. "No, I am sorry, but I really must see the Oracle. It is a matter of great importance."

The Merovingian looked taken back by my response, but then a smile grew on his lips once more.

"But of course! I see it now. You have a look of the gifted ones. One of the Oracle's precious pets. A 'medium' is it not called? So then you have come here looking for her but you can not find her, why? Because she is not here. It seems you and I have the same desire, for I am also looking for her." As he said this, he picked up his wine glass and took a sip of the ruby red liquid. His eyes never left mine all the while.

I unconsciously licked my lips, suddenly feeling very dry in the mouth. "So you don't have the Oracle in your custody?"

He grimaced and replaced his glass on the table. "Custody is such a strong word, don't you think? However, I have no clue as to the fortune teller's whereabouts."

*He is lying.* Smith's voice cut through the Merovingian's stare.

"I don't know whether to believe you or not. I was told that the Oracle was last seen being taken to see you, so where is she?" I said defiantly, amazed at my own boldness.

"And who saw this? The blind man?" He laughed, but it was soulless. "The Oracle has a... guard, he intervened, and that is all I know of the matter. Now if that is all you want then I suggest you go home. I can not help you."

I looked to the side and noticed one of Mero's lackeys give me an unsavoury look. I decided it was best to go and figure out a plan.

"Sorry to bother you. Thank you for your time." and I got out of there quickly before anything else was said.

*Well that was a waste of time.* I said bitterly to Smith once I felt safe in the elevator.

*Do you think so? I think that it would be wasted if we were to leave. Something does not add up here. Perhaps we should look around the back.* Suggested Smith.

*We? What's this 'we' business?* However, I took Smith's advice and decided to sneak around the back to try and eavesdrop on some conversations. Unfortunately, I was soon spotted.

"Can't stay away, huh?" It was one of the Merovingian's goons. The one who had been looking at me very intently before. "It must be my animal magnetism," he said with a smirk.

'Oh shit.'

*Remain calm, Miss Mills. Perhaps he will be willing to share information about the Oracle.*

*Somehow, I don't think so, Smith.*

"Well, you know I'm a medium, right? So I thought that I might be able to find a spirit to help me find the location of the Oracle, but all I have found is you. I don't suppose you know the location of the Oracle?"

But he wasn't listening, and he pushed me against the brick wall, my heart raced in fear.

"I've never had a medium before." he breathed his foul breath in my face and looked me up and down in an unsavoury way.

"Well you're not going to have one now either." I went to push him away but he caught my wrist.

"Fortunately, you do not get to make that decision." and he brought me into his body while his free hand squeezed my breast.

"Get your hands off me!" I shoved him in the chest, and he went flying back as if he had been hit by a car, I looked at my own hands in astonishment.

The thug scrambled to his feet. "You're going to pay for that!" He came for me, but I easily side stepped him and kneed him in the groin. He cried out in pain, but it didn't stop him as he went to punch me. I blocked him and sent an uppercut that hit him square on the chin.

I couldn't believe this was happening. I have never taken a self-defence class in my life, but here I was, giving the bastard what he deserved. I realized that it was Smith who was in control of my body now. I knew he could fight as I had seen him do it in his memories. I had the guy in a choke hold. "Tell me where the Oracle is!" I hissed, but it was Smith who was speaking through me.

"You crazy bitch! Get off me!" The thug tried to pull my hand away but it was no use and more pressure was applied to his throat.

"Tell me."

"I don't know! We had her in the car and then there was an accident. Another car slammed into ours. I got knocked out from the force of the crash. When I came to, the Oracle was gone!" He wheezed.

"I don't believe you."

*Please Smith, he doesn't know where she is.* I implored, the guys face was turning purple now.

"This man tried to assault you Miss Mills, he needs to be taught a lesson." Snarled Smith in my voice.

*I know, but not like this. Please.* I begged.

"If I find out that you or the Merovingian has lied I will come for you both, understood?"

"Y...yes." The guy was trembling in my grasp.

Smith let go of him and the thug fell to the ground, gasping and spluttering for breath.

*Let's go now, before his friends come looking for him.* I said, Smith agreed and we got into the nearest taxi where Smith let go of control of my body. As soon as he did I was out of breath.

*You should exercise more Miss Mills, I could have seriously damaged your body.* He commented.

"Where to?" asked the taxi driver, and I told him the address of my aunt's. I needed to go somewhere so I could recuperate.

"Tegan! Oh, it's so good to see you!" My Aunt Carol cried, and she gave me a fierce hug. She was a lithe woman in her late 40s but didn't look a day over 30.

"Hey Auntie C, sorry to drop in on you on such short notice."

"Don't be silly, come in! Come in," and she pushed me into the living room. There was the old sofa I used to bounce up and down on as a little girl. I smiled and sat down, Carol remained standing.

"What are you doing here anyway?" She asked.

"I came to see the Oracle but she wasn't home so I decided to stop by and see you."

"The Oracle? The psychic you went to all those years ago?"

"That's the one. I need her help but she wasn't home. She hasn't been seen in a few weeks and my leads have ended up as dead ends."

"Oh dear, so what are you going to do now?"

"Go home I suppose... it is a shame as I really need to see the Oracle but I am out of ideas."

"Yes, Aidan called me, he told me the reason why you are searching for the Oracle."

"What?" I said, standing up.

"He's worried for you, Tegan, and from what he told me, he has every reason to. I mean! My god Tee, this spirit is Agent Smith!"

My eyes widened, "how.. how do you know?" I asked, Carol sighed.

"Take a seat Tegan, there is a lot we need to talk about."

I did as she said but I felt apprehensive.

"Tegan... you know that we are not blood relatives right? I was friends with your Mom when you used to live next door and I became part of your family, that's where the 'Auntie' bit comes in."

"Yes, I know that."

"What you don't know is that I am not even human... I am an exile."

I wasn't expecting that! If she was an exile, then that meant…

"Has he told you? About the Matrix?" she asked warily.

I nodded as I found I could not speak.

"Yes, I figured he would."

I finally found my voice. " I don't understand. If you are an exile that means you were a program for the Matrix."

"No, I never had a purpose... I am an accident in the machine world, it's too complicated to explain. All you need to know is that I was brought into the Matrix to live as a human, and I have been doing so all my life."

*What she is saying is true. I knew she was an exile as soon as I saw her. I am amazed that you did not know.* said Smith rather smugly.

I ignored him. "But I thought exiles were seen as spirits, that only a few people could see them."

"That is true, in some circumstances but not all. I chose to be seen by humans. I needed to be with them. It's what made me who I am."

I bowed my head, this was all too much to take, yet another lie to add to the list of lies.

"Tegan... I'm sorry I couldn't tell you the truth, but if I did, I would have jeopardized you and your Mom's safety. You understand, right?"

I sighed, "yes, I understand. I just don't understand why you are telling me now."

"I want to help you. I want to let you know that you don't have to face this by yourself. I take it that Aidan doesn't know the truth?"

I shook my head, "How could I begin to explain it to him? Besides, it's like you said, I could get him into danger, and I don't want that."

"Is the Agent here with you now?"

"Technically he is no longer an Agent, but yes he is. He can not leave."

"Well, technically, he should be dead. The fact that he exists in your mind is very troubling."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

Carol sighed again and sat next to me. "Smith was a dangerous program. Especially when he turned rogue. He gained the ability to clone himself, and he did Tegan again and again and again. He cloned everyone, including me and you, until there was no one left but him. A human called Neo fought Smith, and Neo sacrificed himself to destroy Smith. Those who were turned into clones turned back, and a truce was forged between the machines and the humans."

Suddenly I stood up but it was not I that was in control. "A truce? What are these lies? It would never happen!" I was pissed.

Carol didn't even flinch. "Ex- Agent Smith, I presume."

I pointed my finger at her. "What you are saying is madness. The Architect would never allow it! Machines and humans living in peace? It is all lies! An even bigger illusion than the Matrix itself."

Carol stood up and looked me straight in the eye. "A lot has happened since you were destroyed, Smith. Those humans who want to be freed can be. We are at a balance, and it isn't heavier on either side. Now let Tegan have control back."

He did so and I was relieved. When he took control I was scared that he wouldn't ever let go. I fell on the sofa, drained.

Carol went into the kitchen and came back with a mug of coffee. "Here." she said and I took it gratefully.

"Well he is in there alright. What to do... I guess going to see the Oracle is the best plan, but if she can not be found..."

"I was told that a Frenchman had taken her so I went to see him..."

Carol interrupted me, "The Frenchman? You went to see the Merovingian?" Her face had gone pale, and she sounded distressed.

"Yes, it was the only lead I had. He told me that she had escaped from him, that her guard came and took her away."

"That would be Seraph. Well if that is true then I can help, I know how to contact him." And she went over to her table to get her phone.

"Oh shit!" she cried as she looked out the window. I was curious and went over to her and peered over her shoulder.

Three men were making their way to the building's entrance. They wore suits and sunglasses, and I instantly knew who they were. I felt my blood run cold. Carol turned to me.

"Run Tegan! You must leave now!"

"But what about you?"

"Get away from here as fast as you can, if they find you..." she let the sentence hang. To be honest, we had no idea what the agents would do if they found me, and I didn't want to find out. "Go!" she cried and pushed me out of the door.

I found myself on the balcony and ran to the ladder. My feet dragged on the metal flooring almost sending me crashing to the floor. I was too tired for this.

I managed to make it to the ground safely but now I was in a predicament as I had no idea where to go.

*Just run Miss Mills.* Smith told me, and I took his advice. However, my muscles were screaming at me all the while.

*Not that way!* Shouted Smith but it was too late as from nowhere an agent stepped out. It was as I feared, they were after me. I could no longer run, I was frozen to the spot in fear.

A hand clamped down on my shoulder from behind, and it instantly reminded me of when Smith had done the same thing. Where had the second one come from?

"Miss Mills, you will come with us."

Oh god, they knew my name.

*What do I do Smith?*

*Go with them and remain calm.* He advised me.

My body felt like lead and I must have passed out because the next thing I knew I was in a room sitting on a hard chair. There was a desk and another chair opposite me. I looked around at the blank four walls. I was in trouble. I got up from the chair and tried the door, of course it was locked.

"Hey! Let me out! I haven't done anything wrong! You can't do this to me!" I shouted through the door. I was starting to feel claustrophobic.

*Miss Mills, sit down and shut up. They will come in once you have calmed down.*

I decided to take Smith's advice, this used to be his job after all.

After three minutes, the door opened, and the same three men filed into the room. Two of them stood behind me while the third took the seat opposite me. He had a folder with him, which he opened and leafed through. Oh dear God, they had a folder about me!

The agent closed the folder and looked up at me. He wore the same expression on his face as Smith and I didn't like it.

"Do you know why you are here, Miss Mills?" he asked. My lord, he even sounded like Smith. If he was trying to frighten me, then it wasn't working, not when I have been living day in and day out with an ex-agent in my mind.

"No I do not know. I have done nothing wrong."

"Then why did you run?"

Oh dammit he had me, and he knew it. The game was up.

"I ran because I was told to. I was visiting my Aunt and she saw you from the window. She didn't tell me why but she told me I had to leave and so I did."

"Miss Mills, you are here because we need your help. We know who you are and what you are and the reason why you are so far from home. You seek the Oracle, as do we."

I didn't know what to say to this, it wasn't what I was expecting which meant that they didn't realize that I knew the truth, or that I had one of their kind residing in my mind.

"Why do you need my help? Why would you be looking for a harmless old lady?"

"Appearances can be deceiving Miss Mills. We must find the Oracle to put a stop to the spirits that you are seeing."

This got my attention. "Sorry, but what you said did not make sense to me. Care to explain?"

"If the Oracle is found, then we can put a stop to the spirits from existing. You can live a normal life."

I couldn't help but stand up. "This is my normal life! This is my living! How can you say that you can stop spirits from existing?" Heh, perhaps I should become an actress.

"Sit down, Miss Mills, and I shall explain."

I did as he said, but only because I was interested in how he was going to explain it to me.

"The Oracle has the ability to keep the spirits under control. Without her, there will be chaos as the two worlds are starting to collide. Soon, everyone will be seeing spirits."

"But is that such a bad thing? Isn't that what people want? Proof of life after death?"

"But then what Miss Mills? What would happen next once these people had this proof? Would life have the same meaning anymore?" I had to admit it was something I had thought about a lot when I was a medium that believed in spirits, but my belief had been shattered. It wasn't the fact that 'spirits' were out of control that these agents were worried about, it was because it was exiles that were out of control and they could easily let humans know the truth, that the world is a lie.

"Why me? Why do you need my help when there are plenty of mediums out there who are much better than I am?" I asked.

"You are the only one who is searching for the Oracle at this moment in time."

Fair enough answer. I sat back in my chair and took in the agent seated before me. He looked younger than Smith and was wearing an earpiece in his ear, but that was the only real difference that I could see, he even insisted on calling me by my title and surname in the same annoying way as Smith.

"So how am I supposed to help you? I have been searching for the Oracle all morning and have yet to find her."

"Why don't you use your spirit guide to help locate other spirits who could possibly know where she is?"

"Ah... well you see that is the reason why I am here looking for the Oracle, I no longer have a spirit guide." I murmured.

"What?" I flinched at his tone of voice, he was not happy with this news.

"Er... yeah she left me a couple of days ago... Hey it's like you said right, spirits are out of control."

"Miss Mills, I don't think you realize the severity of this situation."

I had had enough of this Agent. "Oh no? What I don't realize is why you should care! I mean, who are you people?"

*Careful, Miss Mills.*

I jumped at the sound of Smith's voice, I had almost forgotten that he was there. Unfortunately for me the agent saw this.

"What is wrong?" He asked.

Quick Tegan, think of something! "I thought I heard a voice... Do you have spirits in this building?"

"Not that we are aware of."

*Smith I don't know what to do. I need help.* I pleaded in my mind, but he did not reply.

"Miss Mills, if you do help us, then we are willing to make it worth your while."

"Even if I can help you, I still have no idea where she is, don't you understand? Without a spirit guide I am lost. I may as well give up being a medium," I said, slumping back in my seat.

"I understand. We will leave you some time to come to a decision." And with that the three of them left, closing the door behind them. Everything was quiet.

*Smith I'm scared. I'm scared that they will find out I have been lying to them. That I know about the Matrix.*

*You gave them no reason to suspect that you know the truth, but it is best if we left here as soon as possible just in case you let something slip. Tell them that at this moment in time you cannot help them and leave it at that. However, we will have to watch our movements from now on, as I am sure you have been bugged.*

My blood ran cold. *Bugged?*

*Yes, so you must make sure you do not go anywhere that will cause suspicion.*

Oh God why? Why was this happening to me? I never asked for any of this. Minutes ticked by and I was starting to fidget in my chair. I jumped again when the door opened and the agents came back into the room, they all remained standing this time.

"Well, Miss Mills, have you come to a decision?"

"I'm afraid I can't help you gentlemen. I am going to abandon search for the Oracle and head home. This has been a waste of your time and mine, and I am sorry. I am sure that there are far more capable mediums out there who can help you."

To my relief, the agents allowed me to leave. They even provided a taxi to take me back to my aunt's apartment. Before I left, I was given a business card so that if I changed my mind, I could contact them. I looked at the card, and the name said Agent Johnson. I hoped I would never have to meet with him again.

Notes: And so the plot really kicks in now. To say I was not influenced by Alena-hu (Lovelace)'s story,

'Awakenings' would be a falsehood on my part. It is an excellent story and she writes the Merovingian and Smith so well and the story is so good!