X-Men Fan Fiction ❯ Witness ❯ There are no coincidences… ( Chapter 34 )

Authors Note/Disclaimer:

I do not own XMen Evolution, its characters, or the universe they live in. I intend no disrespect or copyright infringement. This is a work of adult fan fiction and is intended only for entertainment purposes. I make no money from this work.

Plot and character development…There will be multiple POV changes…hope nobody gets lost in the shuffle. Some insight into the web of relationships inside the Brotherhood – at least I hope I’ve conveyed that.

If I have done what I intended to do…This chapter will be a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. It was for me as the writer. We’ll see.

As always, constructive criticism is welcome.

Please see the first chapter for complete warnings for this piece.

Chapter Thirty Four: There are no coincidences…

There are no coincidences…

Not with Wanda.

Fuck.

Twins.

Todd was all excited, talking nonsense on the way home. He was throwing around names. Are they boys? Are they girls? One of each? He was forgetting all about what the doctor said.

What Magneto had said.

Shit.

I’m so close…So very close…

I can’t believe he didn’t dump me after all that shit.

God…If I could just start over…I’d run off with him, just disappear.

I love her…I gave her everything I had…How could she do this to me?

Wanda.

She bolted out of the jeep as soon as it came to a stop. She nearly ran Angie over on her way to the stairs. The blonde squeaked and stepped back.

I know where she is…

She did something to me. To the babies.

I’m nothing to her but a toy.

“Wanda!” She didn’t wait for the girl to answer the door, instead she shoved it open.

“Marissa? How did your appointment go?”

Wanda was curled up on her bed, surrounded by textbooks and papers. She put down the pencil in her hand and slid the notebook from her knee where she’d been taking notes.

“What did you do to me, Wanda?”

“What do you mean?” Wanda made a show of innocence, widening her eyes.

“Twins, Wanda...”

“Twins…Oh isn’t that perfect?” Wanda brought her hands together with a smile.

“You did this to me.” Marissa grated out.

“Just imagine…Two little girls, mutants, just like their daddy…” Wanda was obviously pleased with herself, beaming. “How could my father…anyone resist that?”

“You…You’ve killed me Wanda. My babies are going to kill me!”

“I thought you’d be happy.” Wanda’s smile began to fade and she rose from her bed.

“Todd almost killed his mother…I’m already sick, Wanda. Two babies…”

“What are you talking about?” At least she had the grace to look concerned.

“The goo Todd makes…it’s poisonous. He was born like that…It poisoned his mother, just like these babies are poisoning me, Wanda. Look at me!”

“Riss…” Wanda stood close to her, studying her face. She’d developed bruised looking circles under her eyes and her skin was pale with a grey cast. Her hair hung limply around her face and her curls had lost all their bounce. “You never told me…”

“You…You had no right, Wanda. This was supposed to be my baby, mine and Todd’s. I shouldn’t have had to tell you!”

“I’ll…I’ll fix it. I promise.” Wanda reached a hand towards Marissa’s belly. “It’s a simple thing…We’ll just start over. We’ll use Lance instead.”

“Don’t touch me!” Marissa backed away. “What do you mean ‘we’!?! You’re not going to kill my babies!”

“Marissa…I’m not going to let you die.” Wanda continued to close in on her. “It’s a common thing isn’t it? To lose one twin early on…”

“No!”

“Marissa…P lease…I can fix it. Just let me.” Wanda reached for her again. “All I have to do is adjust the probabilities…maybe suppress their mutations…”

“No. You’ve done enough. Get away from me!” Marissa shoved her backwards and turned to flee the room.

Oh God…Todd. And he looked like someone had just ripped his guts out, standing there in the doorway. She squeezed past him, pushing him against the door, batting away his half-hearted attempts to stop her.

She was running. She had no idea where.

She darted past Lance in the hallway. Glanced at his face, dark eyes filled with worry, maybe guilt. She didn’t wait to find out.

Down the stairs, out the door.

Just running, somewhere…anywhere but here.

She couldn’t run for long…Stopped to retch in the bushes…Sick again.

Get away…Get away from all of them.

I’ve got nowhere to go.

Doesn’t matter does it?

I’m going to die.

She’s fucking crazy…I’ve done all this for her…And she’s so fucking crazy, she’s killed me.

Fuck.

Remy was right…I should have told them more. All of them. Not just Todd.

“Todd…I left him there…He knows…Oh Christ…” Her side hurt, her lungs burned, and her stomach roiled. She wasn’t even sure where she was, behind a row of tract houses. She slumped against a privacy fence, bending over, panting. She slid down against the rough wood to land with a thump.

It hadn’t seemed real. She hadn’t felt pregnant…just sick. Not until she’d seen their little hearts beating on the monitor. Now…She couldn’t let Wanda ‘fix’ this.

Todd will never let me try again…There’d be no more babies with him. He’d never have agreed to it if he’d known the risks.

The samples the doctor took…She’ll want me to abort. Maybe he will too.

Not going to happen.

Will it show up in the blood work? Will Magneto come for me? Or will he sit back and watch me die?


Everyone was yelling…

Angie looked scared, and was clinging to his hand like a frightened child.

Wanda did something bad. Don’t know what it was, but it must be really bad. Something about the baby…or was it babies. Twins? Riss was missing again. Angie said she’d run out of the front door.

Shouldn’t we be looking for her instead of yelling?

Todd was yelling at Wanda and Lance was yelling at Todd. And Pietro was yelling at all of them to shut up and tell him what happened. Wanda was yelling at Pietro saying it was none of his business.

The house was shaking…So was Angie.

Pietro said, “You’re just like Magneto!”

Then Wanda slapped Pietro.

Everyone stopped yelling. The house stopped shaking.

Everything stopped.

“Where is Marissa, now?” Pietro rubbed his cheek with one hand, his voice grating between clenched teeth.

No one answered at first. Angie cleared her throat nervously. Pietro turned to glare at her.

“She…She ran out the front door.”

“Did you see which direction she went?” He moved so fast he made Angie flinch as he was suddenly inches from her. Fred pulled her closer to his side.

“No…No…I’m sorry.”

“Move her stuff into the extra room at the end of the hall. Now.” Pietro’s glare was piercing and Angie recoiled.

“You can’t do that! She’s my girl, yo!” Todd protested.

“Yes I can.” Pietro turned to look at them. “I made a mistake. I should have put a stop to this a long time ago.” He was looking at directly at Wanda rather than at Todd.

“People aren’t toys.” Then Pietro was gone, the wind of his passing ruffling the curtains and blowing several magazines off the coffee table.

“Come on, Angie. I’ll help.” Fred was happy to escape up the stairs, tugging the blonde after him.

“I knew this couldn’t last…” Angie muttered under her breath.


Todd had followed Marissa inside, had heard her accusations. He had heard Wanda admit that she’d tampered with the twins…She had even planned them.

And Marissa had chosen to have his baby…knowing it could kill her?

Why?

By the time he’d been able to speak, Marissa was out of sight.

Then…He let Wanda have it.

She had used him. She had used Marissa for her own plans. She had even used the pregnancy. She had acted almost like the babies were hers instead of theirs.

She’d risked Marissa’s life multiple times. She had risked their relationship. Wanda had ASKED her…and everyone knew how hard it was to say no to Wanda…

Lance had jumped to Wanda’s defense without stopping to listen. He was so defensive; Todd thought he must have been in on it, too. For some of it at least.

He wondered if Wanda had “asked” Lance for something, too.

He was so angry he could spit…Had to grit his teeth to keep the membranes from closing over his eyes. To keep from killing one of these people he was supposed to love…

Then Pietro jumped in…

Oh God…What kind of boyfriend –father-- was he, that he didn’t follow her? Didn’t know where she went. Christ! None of them did.

And Pietro was moving her out of his room?

Fred and Angie were in there now, going through their drawers and the closet. Moving her things across the hall. The blonde looked terrified when he walked through the door. But, he just slumped on the bed.

Pietro was gone, searching for her. That’s where he should have been instead of screaming at Wanda.

She’s sick…and pregnant…and really upset. And I didn’t even go after her. Even if I went now, Pietro would probably have her back before I got anywhere.

Shit.

He ignored Angie and Fred as they came and went. Then he was alone. Really alone. All her stuff was gone. Just across the hall…But, it felt like a million miles away.

I hope she’s O.K.


It was Pietro who came for her.

Not Todd or Lance…Or even Fred.

Pietro.

“Marissa?”

She’d cried herself out by now. She was just sitting in the sun, not thinking, trying to ignore her body’s constant demands to purge itself of the poison. All this puking…of course it didn’t work. The poison wasn’t in her stomach.

He crouched beside her, touched her face with one hand. He looked so worried. She should probably say something.

“I’m sorry.”

Maybe that was the wrong thing. He looked confused, his silver brows drawn tight over those piercing eyes. He looked so much like his father. Sometimes it was a little creepy.

“What are you apologizing for?”

“This is the second time you’ve had to come rescue me.” She blinked in the sun. Probably wasn’t good for her to sit out here this long.

“Let’s go home.”

“I don’t want to.” She pulled her knees up tight under her chin.

“You can’t stay here.” He pushed her hair back from her face and seemed to be testing the brittle texture in his fingers. “If you want to leave, just tell me where you want to go. You don’t have to go back to them.”

He knew then. No privacy in the Brotherhood.

“Who told you?”

“They were all shouting about it at the top of their lungs.” He sighed. “My sister…”

“It won’t do any good to leave, Pietro. Your father implanted a microchip that tracks me wherever I go. It can’t be removed without killing me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Remy seemed pretty sure. They’ve used the chips before.” She rubbed her face against her arm, wiping away the remains of tears. “My choices are here, with you, or there, with them.”

“I’m giving you your own room. I should have done that before.” Pietro touched her arm. “You don’t have to share with any of them if you don’t want. You earned that a long time ago.”

“Does Todd want me to move out, then?” Marissa’s voice cracked.

“No. It was my decision. I think Wanda’s been manipulating all of you. And this time, she’s gone too far.”

“Yeah. She has…And she did.”

“Come on.” He tugged her to her feet. “It’ll be faster if I carry you.”

He waited just long enough for her to wrap her arms around his shoulders before scooping her up. He shifted her to rest against his chest and suddenly they were moving so fast she had to hide her face against his shoulder so the wind wouldn’t sting her eyes.

Then he was setting her down carefully in one of the spare rooms…Her room. Her things were already spread around the room. It was surreal…Reminded her of the room Magneto had given her.

“Pietro, I’m not sure I want this…”

“It’s up to you who comes in here. That’s what the lock is for.” He zipped out for a moment, then returned with a key, dropping it into her hand.

“O.K.”

Pietro nodded at her, and then left, pulling the door closed behind him.

She locked the door and pocketed the key before stretching out on the bed.

Soon she was asleep.


This sucks…

Marissa insisted on sleeping in her own room…alone. She wasn’t talking much either, just went about her business in her office. She didn’t talk to him unless he asked her a question. Didn’t talk to Wanda at all. Don’t know if she would have talked to Lance, since he seemed to be avoiding both of them.

And she was getting sicker. There was no denying it now. He was having to force her to eat and half the time it would come back up within the hour. He had to force her to go to the doctor. She didn’t want to go.

The doctor wanted her to terminate the pregnancy.

She said no.

He didn’t know what he wanted…Only that he didn’t want to lose all three of them.

No…He did know what he wanted. He wanted her to live. But, if he told her that he wanted her to have an abortion…She wasn’t going to do it. And she’d probably stop talking to him.

Not that she was talking much.

And Wanda…

Wanda kept insisting she could fix it. Was almost begging to be allowed to try.

Riss wasn’t having any of it.

Can’t really blame her.

Shit.

Wouldn’t be long before they’d have to put her in the hospital, she was that sick.

The doctor gave her a special diet. She ate it, then puked it up. The doctor gave her some medicine. That came back even faster. And vitamins…She’d gag as soon as they hit her tongue. She was getting thinner every day.

He suggested they ask the Institute for help. What she suggested in return wasn’t physically possible. Then she locked her door again.

Now he was in his room tearing through the pile of laundry that hadn’t gotten washed – it was big because he’d gotten used to Riss doing it for him. Now she was too sick for that. He was looking for that piece of paper--

“She my ‘prentice and you call me firs’ she give you any trouble.”

He didn’t know what to do -- wasn’t sure he trusted anyone in the Brotherhood anymore. Wasn’t sure he trusted himself after spending so much time with Wanda. He wanted to believe that Wanda could do what she said…

Wanda hadn’t had a chance to get to Remy. And Riss wasn’t listening to him anymore…

The phone call was brief, the man sounded tense. Probably someone had been listening…But, he was coming. Soon.

That was good. Because Riss hadn’t gotten out of bed today at all.


What the hell is he doing here?

Marissa felt the wash of worry flow over her before she even saw him. It didn’t help the constant twisting nausea in her belly any. And she might have cursed if she wasn’t too tired. She thought she’d felt something moving today.

Maybe a foot or an elbow. Just a little tickle somewhere deep inside.

Have faith…Hang on a few more weeks, a month maybe and they’d have a chance. That was her hope.

Faith. Hope.

Those were their names. She’d have to tell Todd, just in case.

Go the fuck away, Remy. Don’t want you here. Don’t need your fucking emotional backwash. I’m not your responsibility.

You’re mine.

No…You’re smart enough to get yourself out this mess. Just do it.

No…She hadn’t said that out loud. And there was no one in the room, now. Even Angie had finally given up, wandered off somewhere.

Mind’s starting to go…Great. Going senile at nineteen…Maybe I’m actually twenty. Not much better is it?

Emotional backwash…He’s still here somewhere. Angry, nervous…scared even. Why? Never mind, just go away and take it with you.

Where’s Todd?


“Hey, babe. Got some visitors for you.” Todd came in and sat down on her bed.

“Don’t want any visitors.” She turned her face away, knowing without looking who was coming.

“But, Remy come all dis way to see you, cher.” The scraping of a chair and the settling of his presence was enough to know he was right there at her elbow.

“I didn’t ask you to come.”

“Remy was invited all de same. You don’ look so good.” She could feel his gaze on her. Could feel his shock and worry…And she resented it.

“I called him, Riss.” Todd was stroking her hand nervously. “I hope you’re not too mad at me.”

“Why the fuck would you do that, Todd?”

“Because someone needs to talk some sense into you…And you’re not listening to me.”

“I’m not aborting my babies. Don’t ask me again.”

“Dat not why we here. Look at Remy.” The man reached long fingers to pull her chin around to face him. She lowered her eyes to avoid his gaze.

“I know your tricks Remy.”

“You sick, almost to de death. Remy talk wit’ your beau and wit’ de witch. She got some’ting to help.”

She could see out of the corner of her eye who the other visitor was. Wanda was hovering near the door.

“No. She’s the one that did this to me…To us.”

“She sorry, cher. She do love you. Dis a mistake...Remy know dis.”

“No.” The man sighed then looked at Todd.

“You don’ change your mind, homme?”

“No. Do it.” Todd swallowed hard.

“Marissa…Look at me.” The air in the room seemed to grow heavy and dense. Todd watched as Remy’s long fingers curled around Marissa’s chin. She closed her eyes tight and clutched feebly at his hand. “Marissa…”

Her eyes snapped open and she stared open mouthed into Remy’s red gaze. Her hand dropped.

“You listen now. Wanda gon’ help you. She gon’ change you, make you not sick. She not gon’ hurt the little ones. Understan’?”

Marissa nodded slowly. The vacant look in her eyes made Todd’s stomach churn.

“You not gon’ fight her. You gon’ let her do dis ting.”

Marissa nodded again.

“We gon’ be here wit you. Your beau and Remy. We don’ leave you.”

She nodded once again, and Remy stroked her cheek. Then he let her go.

“You do your ting now. She don’ fight you. Remy watchin’ you do what you say, no more.”

“I won’t hurt her.” Wanda came forward and laid one hand on her forehead and rested the other over her heart. Her eyes seemed to become larger and darker and purple energy began to spill from her fingertips. She pursed her lips and furrowed her brows in concentration.

She began to whisper to herself. Todd leaned forward, trying to catch what she was saying.

“Just a matter of adjusting the probabilities…Enhancing the possibilities…Untapped potentials…Adaptation…”

The energy was coiling around Marissa’s body and her gaze was locked on Wanda’s face. The air seemed to crackle around them and the hair on the back of Todd’s neck rose.

Wanda’s hands moved to cradle Marissa’s face and the energy continued to spill from her fingers. She leaned forward to kiss Marissa’s lips and Marissa closed her eyes. The energy began to fade and Wanda leaned back with a smile.

“Is that it, yo?” Todd shifted nervously on the bed. “She don’t look any different.”

“It’ll take a little while. Changing her too fast wouldn’t be healthy for her or the twins.” Wanda stroked Marissa’s cheek. “She will sleep for a while. She should start to feel better by the morning.”

“Remy gon’ wait til den. No tricks.” The man rose from the chair to scowl down at Wanda. “You don’ play such games wit’ her again.”

“I won’t.” Wanda continued to stroke Marissa’s face. “Don’t worry.”

“That’s enough Wanda.” Todd grabbed her hand. “She needs to sleep.”

“She’ll be better, Todd. I promise.” Wanda looked at him, and then rose to leave. The Cajun had already made his exit. Todd watched her go, and then lay down next to Marissa’s sleeping form to wait till morning.

Hopefully it would work.

And if he was lucky…She wouldn’t kill him for it.


He woke to warmth pressed against his back, gentle fingers stroking through his hair. Warm breath in his ear. An arm wrapped around his chest.

“Good morning.” Her tone was sleepy.

“Morning, yo. How you feeling?” He put his hand over the one on his chest and squeezed it.

“Hmm…Better than I have in a while. I think I’m actually hungry.”

“That’s great. I’ll get you something to eat.” He started to pull away.

“No…Stay.” Her arm tightened around him. She tucked her chin over his shoulder.

“All right…But you need to eat something soon.”

“I know…I wanted to snuggle a little longer. Talk maybe.”

“What about?”

“Baby names…I got the perfect ones.”

“O.K., shoot.”

“Faith and Hope.”

“Kind of old fashioned, Riss.” He snuggled back against her with a sigh. “But, I like them.”

“That’s good…Oh!” Riss jumped a little.

“Something wrong?”

“No…I think I just felt a kick. Kind of like butterflies in your stomach, except in the wrong place.”

“So…They’re O.K. in there?”

“Seem to be.” She kissed his ear and nuzzled against him.

“And…You’re not mad…About last night?” He rolled over to look at her. Something was different. She was still pale, but the gray cast had been exchanged for something a little healthier and her eyes…There seemed to be gold flecks in her brown irises. Those had never been there before.

“No…At least not at the moment.”

“Good.”

“I love you, Todd.”

“Love you too, babe.”