The Logical Exception

{ Chapter 34 - A Queen in Check }

The door to the house slammed open and Roman stormed out. "No, absolutely not! If you think that I'm going to follow through with any more of your hair-brained schemes, I refuse! I was willing to put some faith in you but I can see now that you truly are a monster."

Everyone in the living room looked up at Roman's shouting, any conversation they were having falling silent. They all looked a bit surprised at Roman's outburst, except for Patton who looked confused.

"Roman, you are acting childish again." Logan's voice was stoic and monotone.

"Childish? CHILDISH? You want to strip away our powers because you think it will protect us from the bogeyman, did you ever stop to think that it would only make us more vulnerable?! Ugh, she really was right about you." He stormed off towards the bedrooms leaving the group looking at Logan questioningly. He didn't flinch. Logan didn't give them the satisfaction of an explanation. He kept quiet and watched the area where Roman had gone off. It was an awkward and tense silence. Someone had to break it.

Remus volunteered to be that someone. He moved Patton off of his lap and stood up to go after his brother.

"Don't stop me, Remus, you can join me or go back to cuddling your boyfriend, but I'm leaving. It's already obvious you like him more so I'm making you choose, you malicious malcontent. I won't be the mashed potato side dish to your turkey dinner relationship."

There was a moment of silence, a conversation that couldn't be heard, and then shouting once again.

"Of course you would choose him!" Roman came back out to the living room, holding his bag in one hand and a cell phone in the other. "Fine, if that's how you want to play it, I'll become a hero my own way. I'm not going to associate with former and wannabe villains."

Remus had a look in his eye, something different and dangerous. "Psh, like you ever could become a hero without me. You've never even beaten me in a fight."

Roman rolled his eyes, "Only because you cheat, so I have nothing to prove to you." He shoved his way past Logan and slammed the door behind him.

"Wh-" Logan had his hand held up and he was holding up 5 fingers, signaling for everyone to stay quiet. There was a silent consensus to follow his instructions, watching as he slowly counted down on his fingers. He must have used his own timing because it wasn't something the others could follow, but when he was done he lowered his hand.

Remus broke into a dangerous smile that devolved into chaotic laughter.

"Sephi," Patton called, "What's going on? Roman wasn't angry, I didn't feel any anger coming off of him."

Deceit was smirking, having also noticed it but waiting for someone to fill them in.

"He wasn't. He was acting. Isn't my brother so cool?" He looked to Patton who still looked confused and Remus grabbed Patton's hand. "That's our code, mashed potatoes, he uses it to tell me something is up, neither of us likes mashed potatoes. I checked by asking him about the fights. I've never actually won." Remus was giggling uncontrollably.

"So... what's happening?" Patton asked rather confusedly.

"A ruse, and we must prepare for war." Logan was already making his way towards his room. "Remus, can you send some kind of insect to trail your brother. I also need you and Patton to suit up. Deceit your help would be appreciated but this is our fight, you have nothing to gain from it."

"I'll make that call."

"Picani, Sleep, I think it's best that you stay here. If we are not back within an hour, leave. Take everything with you and leave."

"Psh, don't have to tell me twice gurl, I'll stay here and protect the shrink."

Emile blushed a little bit. "I don't have a degree yet, that's just what I want to go into."

"Still gonna call you a shrink."

"Something that might be helpful Logic," Deceit said, nonchalantly picking at his nails. "I can still shift into him."

Logan's eyes lit up, a smile of hope crossing his face. "Then we might have a chance."

{ ~*~ }

Roman had gotten a few blocks away before he held the phone up to his ear, dialing the only contact. When the other person picked up he took in a breath.

"I think I'm ready to come home mom."

"I'm so pleased to hear that darling." She cooed, "Where are you? I can come pick you up."

He told her what city he was in and the cross streets he was by.

"Really? I'm already in that city picking up some supplies. I'll be there soon."

"See you soon." He hung up, gripping the phone tightly. He could only hope Logan was right. He felt a bug land on his hand, and he was ready to swat it when he saw the mosquito had two heads and a green body. This was a Remus creation for sure. He took in a deep breath. He and Remus could conquer anything together.

{ ~*~ }

"How do you know this plan will work?" Virgil asked Logan concerned, "And you seriously shouldn't be trying to get in another fight right now. Look at you, all bruised to hell and I'm sure your leg isn't fully healed."

"I don't believe this is something that could have been prolonged, and I'm not certain this will work. She is a smart woman, but she is also prideful." Logan started, trying to get his suit on without aggravating his injuries. "I am hoping her pride in the success of getting Roman will blind her, not to mention, I decided to give Roman a bit more free reign on this one. It was his idea to fake the fight, which if she was listening to our conversations, like I suspect, then that will be rather convincing. Also, if I understood Deceit's crypticness, he can still transform into Zero Sum, which means that he can negate her abilities. She is still a strong fighter, but it will put us at an advantage."

"So you actually trusted the boy wonder and Mr. Lyde?"

"Jekyll and Hyde reference?"

Virgil nodded.

"Nice," Logan straightened his tie. "I am beginning to understand that in order to build trust and respect I must first be willing to offer it. This is my attempt at building that between both of them. Though Deceit and I do have some history which makes him easier to trust."

"For a villain, you are a pretty nice person,"

"And for a hero you are rather willing to go along with my schemes."

"Maybe I just want to pick your brain."

Logan looked at him extremely confused, possibly a bit afraid.

"Don't give me any ideas tickle me emo." Remus had a crazed look as he burst through the door, "You ready calculatron? I've always wanted to indulge in a little matricide."

"I don't think we should be killing anyone," Patton said softly.

"It's not like we have many options." Logan had a resigned look on his face. He tested his powers before nodding to Remus' question.

"This is going to end up getting a little messy."

AN: Nothing much to say this week. Just make sure you are taking care of yourself.