by Neva Laurie
"Listen, people," Cyclops snapped, taking charge. "It's imperative that Sinister’s lab be damaged beyond any hope of repair. We’ve taken out a lot of his equipment before, but this is the master database, and therefore more heavily guarded than anything we’re encountered previously. We can’t make it past the guards without calling in a lot more than we can effectively deal with . The only quiet way in is through these air vents. We’ve managed to get into the system and lift some diagrams so we have a good idea of how to navigate them." Cyclops gestured at a grate on the wall, large enough for a medium-sized person to get through. "Wolverine, Beast, and I definitely can't fit through there. Several parts of the passage will require flight." He turned his gaze over Jean, Rogue, and Storm, challenging them to evaluate their fitness for the assignment.
"I could easily navigate the airway telekineticly, but I would have no means to destroy the machines," Jean stated. "Besides, I’ll need to focus my attention on psi-blocking whoever is sneaking in from detection."
"I shall go," Storm volunteered calmly. "Reaching the target presents me no difficulty, and I can summon lightning to strike its circuitry, which should damage the information beyond retrieval."
Cyclops nodded acceptance. "While Storm is in there, the rest of us are going to make a feint at the main entrance. That should keep most of the guards distracted and cause enough general disorder for her to get in and out without anyone noticing. Between the noise we’re making out there and Jean’s psi shield, they’ll have no clue she was even there until we’re long gone," he explained. "Get ready everyone; this may not be easy," he cautioned. Seeing that the team was prepared, he nodded firmly and gestured to Rogue to proceed.
She moved to the wall and ripped the grate off, opening the vent. "There yah are, sugah," she said to Storm with a languid smile and affected calm.
Storm nodded crisply and drew the winds around her, carefully flying into the vent. "Let’s be sure she doesn’t run into any early problems before we get entangled with the guards and aren’t available to aid her," Cyclops suggested. "We can’t afford any mistakes."
Jean closed her eyes, and a blue aura began to glow around her forehead as she tracked Storm's progress through the dark, small tunnel. A moment later, Jean gasped, and her eyes snapped open, wide with concern. "Her claustrophobia," she explained. "We have to get her out of there." Without waiting for another word, Rogue shot into the vent, rushing through the confining passages until she reached Storm's limp form, whimpering and paralyzed with fear. Rogue grabbed her friend's ankles and began slowly working them out backwards through the narrow tunnel, trying to murmur soothing reassurances.
When the two were free of the ventilation system, Storm stood trembling, on the verge of collapse. "Easy, gal. You're out now," Rogue cooed soothingly, taking the terrified woman in her arms. Storm clung to her desperately. After a moment, Rogue looked around the group. "Would one o' y'all take her? I don’t figure me drainin’ her would do much good to anyone right about now."
Beast nodded and moved over, gently taking the terrified woman in his arms. "Easy, my friend. You are safe now."
Storm nodded weakly, relaxing in his comforting embrace. A few minutes later, she detached herself from Beast and turned to speak to Cyclops, having regained her composure. Head held high and face set in determination, she spoke to the field commander, "I apologize. I should not have let my fears and personal concerns override our mission. I shall try again."
"No, Storm," Cyclops disagreed. "You shouldn't have gone in the first place. We'll find another solution. Gambit, your powers are ideal for this, and you might fit through the ducts. The only problem is that vertical stretch." He paused thoughtfully. "Jean, is it possible you could lift him?"
"Not while shielding him from detection and backing up the frontal assault. I can’t guarantee his safety under those conditions, and I’m not going to risk it," she replied grimly, shaking her head.
"Rogue'd fit through better," Gambit remarked calmly.
"Yeah, but mah powers won't do much good," she shrugged, wondering what relevance that had. "Ah mean, Ah could rip the stuff apart, but it wouldn’t trash the circuitry very effectively."
"I loan you mine, chere," he offered mischievously. "For a small fee, of course."
"How in the world do you plan...?" Rogue asked indignantly, breaking off as the realization dawned on her. "You don' mean..."
"A kiss, chere," he calmly confirmed her fears.
"Gambit, no," she protested weakly. "Ah...Ah..." She broke off helplessly, shaking her head. "You know what that'd do t'you," she added roughly.
"No, Rogue," Cyclops said firmly. "It's the only way that might work on such short notice. We don’t have time to get creative."
"I understand your concern, Rogue," Jean said calmly, almost unconsciously projecting waves of soothing serenity. "We know it is possible to withstand your powers with minimal damage, and this mission is vital. It's an acceptable solution, if it's all right with both of you."
Rogue, about to protest again, looked into Gambit's burning red-black eyes, and the words died on her lips. "Sure ya want t'do this?" she asked, hoping for an escape route that she knew wouldn't come. "I don't wanna hurt you," she whispered softly.
"You won' chere," he murmured back. "And yes, Gambit been wantin’ dis for a long time." Rogue nodded helplessly, her eyes hopeless and frightened. Gambit moved closer, one hand softly brushing her hair back from her face. Rogue wrapped her arms around him to catch him after she absorbed his energy. Steeling herself like a prisoner facing a firing squad, Rogue turned her face upward, meeting his gaze. Somehow, in the face of the love reflected in his expression, her fear melted away. He really did want this, despite the consequences.
Her scattered thoughts broke off suddenly as the kiss came. She felt the soft pressure of his lips on hers for just a moment before her powers took effect, and it was the most wonderful thing she had ever experienced. As the first tendrils of his thoughts floated into her mind, Rogue felt the intensity of his love for her, his gambler’s soul willing to risk it all to have her, if even just for a moment. Then the strange electric sensation swept through her as she stole his energy and powers. The transfer complete, Gambit fell limply into her arms, unconscious, his energy drained away by her powers. Rogue noticed a softly contented and peaceful expression on his face.
Moving numbly as she tried to adjust to the borrowed thoughts racing through her mind, Rogue walked slowly to Storm, still cradling Gambit's limp form in her powerful arms. "Make sure he's all right," she murmured, passing him to the calm, supportive woman.
"I shall, Rogue," Storm assured her.
"I will be with you in your mind the whole time," Jean said, bringing Rogue back to the subject at hand. "If you are unsure about your path, leave your thoughts open to me for guidance." Rogue nodded, still a bit dazed and struggling to handle the onslaught of memories into her mind. Slowly she turned towards the vent, ready to head in.
"Wait a minute," Wolverine said harshly, almost growling. She turned back to see him looking through Gambit's pockets, searching for something. After a moment, he pulled out a handful of cards. "You’re gonna need a weapon," he said, handing them to her. "Kinetic charges don’t do much without somethin’ to charge."
Rogue nodded without comment, accepting the cards and sliding them into her jacket pocket. Her thoughts blank, she turned and flew into the ducts, vaguely aware of Jean's presence accompanying her.
Rogue, are you okay? that presence asked.
"Ah'm fine," she snapped, roughly pushing away her confusion and concern. Jean didn't reply, but her feel remained dubious. Rogue stiffened her resolve and sped on even faster. She didn’t need more pity, and she could handle the mission. When the ducts intersected, Jean's presence guided her the right way, but there were no more attempts at conversation.
Rogue couldn't have guessed how long she flew through the labyrinth of ducts. Soon the turns of her pathway filtered out the sun completely; the darkness became absolute. Her senses had abandoned her. There was nothing to see but the intense blackness engulfing her, nothing to hear but the wind of her flight rushing past her ears, nothing to feel but the cold metal closing her in. The air had a metallic, dusty, moldy smell which left a strange feeling in her throat and mouth, as if it was rusting her as well. She was almost glad for that feeling; it reassured her that her senses were still functioning; she wasn't dead. But for Jean's presence hovering intangibly somewhere beside her, Rogue might have gone mad, trapped alone with just the muted voices in her head for company. Storm's claustrophobia was very easy to understand confined in this nothingness.
Finally, she broke free from the darkness. The duct ended in a grate similar to the one she'd entered by. Her eagerness to be free adding to her already heightened mutant strength, Rogue burst the grate away, hardly slowing, and emerged into the room containing that which she had come to destroy. Even the dim light pierced her dilated pupils, adjusted to the absolute darkness of her trip.
With a casual detachment, she studied the machinery. It was an alien, slightly threatening collection of metal and wiring, screens running unfathomable patterns, strange lights monitoring unknown functions. Still studying the bizarre contraption, Rogue slipped off her right glove and reached into her pocket for the cards. Holding one before her as she'd seen Gambit do, Rogue released the rein she'd kept over his powers, letting them leak out to charge the card. As it began glowing, she flipped it casually at the machine, watching with a smug grin as it detonated. It felt good to let some of that energy out of her. Mah aim's not up t' par, but that comes with practice, she thought with a shrug. She charged another and threw it, hitting a different part, trying to wreck the whole thing beyond repair. When she ran out of cards, Rogue began taking bits of metal the explosion had sent her way and throwing them back, charged with more of the energy Gambit had lent her. If only she could let the confused tension flow out of her as easily.
Her work complete, she surveyed the sparking, smoking wreckage with a tight-lipped smile. Satisfied that she'd accomplished her goal, she slid her glove back on and rushed back through the air ducts, eager to return to the sunlight and her companions.
A few days later
Rogue stood before Gambit's door, suddenly afraid of what she'd come to do. But it was too late to turn back now. Firmly, she raised one hand and knocked. Gambit appeared, his eyes widening a bit as he saw her. "Yah, chere?"
"Ah need to talk to you, Gambit," she said a bit roughly, fighting with herself, resisting the urge to break down the firm resolve she’d been building.
One eyebrow raised, he opened the door and let her in. "You got somethin' to say, chere?"
"Remy, Ah...Ah," she stopped and took a deep breath, composing herself. "Ah been thinkin' 'bout you, 'bout us. Us!" she laughed. "Gambit, 'us' is a joke. There ain't ever gonna be an 'us.' Not with mah powers. Your dreams've been real nice, and Ah never thought anybody'd care 'bout me wit' mah powers an’ all. But Ah can't keep dreamin' when Ah know it ain't possible. If Ah were normal, if Ah could love without hurtin' someone, maybe Ah would love you, but," Her voice was thick, and by now tears filled her eyes, threatening to spill out. She dashed them away with the back of her hand. "It ain't gonna happen."
Unwilling to cry in front of him , she turned and fled from the room to find somewhere safe to sob, leaving Gambit, hurt and shocked, floundering in her wake.
Meanwhile
The air was cold as it rushed by Storm in her swift flight. Idly she wondered why she never adjusted the weather for her comfort. Perhaps she didn’t wish to expend the effort, or perhaps she actually enjoyed the cool air. Usually, like today, it was simply because she hardly noticed it; she was in such a hurry to get to her destination. Why had this never occurred to her before? Well, at least she had the idea now. Finally, Storm spied what she had been looking for. She let the winds under her command float her down into the alley to land by the manhole. With a moderate effort, Storm lifted the cover and flew down into the tunnels, following the passages that led to the area controlled by the Morlocks, moving by memory more than sight.
She landed in a dimly lit area where she knew they would find her soon. It was best to be discovered waiting. They often took entrances as intrusions, and one asking favors did not achieve her goal by angering those she desired aid from. Even if she were their leader.
It didn't take long for one of them to find her. "What are you doing here?" he asked sharply. "Oh, Storm! I'm sorry, lady, I didn't recognize you in this light."
"You are forgiven," Storm replied condescendingly. She was their leader; they expected her to be imperious. After her years as a goddess, it was fairly natural. "Where is the Leech?"
"I will escort you to him, lady," he replied.
"Thank you," she nodded. "Please do so." The Morlock turned and began leading her through the maze of passages beneath the city. Storm followed silently, glad he hadn't asked her purpose. She hadn’t even revealed that to anyone at the mansion, for the very simple reason that she simply wasn't sure it would work at all. She didn’t want to raise any hopes that she would only have to dash later.
Her guide came to a halt before a door. "He should be inside. Permission to return to duty?"
"Thank you. Permission granted," Storm replied absently. As the Morlock left, she knocked on the Leech's door.
"Yes?" he asked, opening it cautiously. "Oh, lady Storm. What do you need?"
"A favor," she replied. "Leech, I know you’ve recently developed and learned better control over your powers. Precisely how do they operate?"
"If I concentrate, I can remove a mutant's powers. But they return in a few hours, usually six to eight. I can sometimes will them to come back sooner, but no later."
"You do not operate by touch?" she verified.
"No, by concentration," the Leech agreed.
"Excellent," Storm smiled. "If I bring a friend here, would you remove her powers for as long as you can?"
"Of course, lady Storm. Whatever you wish."
"Thank you, Leech. What is the quickest way out? I shall go and return soon with my friend."
"I will show you, lady Storm," the Leech replied, leading her out of the warren of tunnels.
Moments later
Gambit was still sitting where she'd left him, staring numbly at a wall. The first woman he'd ever trusted enough to admit his love for, and look what she did! Well, he'd learned, oh yes, he'd learned. And he was through with love. What good did it do him? It was easier when he could leave a girl without either of them hurting much; unless he had to, he'd never claimed to love them, and they’d all known he was a free spirit that they could never own. Sometimes, the partings had hurt, but it had always been his choice to leave. And he'd never really loved any of them this much.
And now, once, he'd taken a chance and opened his soul to a woman, offered her his heart, his entire being. And she'd accepted it for a bit, toyed with it, and thrown it right back at him. Once was enough; he would never let this happen again. No woman should have that kind of power over him. He needed to get out of here, prove to the world and himself that he didn't need her.
His mind whirling, Gambit slipped silently out the half-open window into the cool air of early evening.
Thirty minutes later
"Rogue, are you in there?" Storm's voice echoed at Rogue from outside her door. With a sigh, she got up to see what Storm wanted, wishing the woman would just go away. Wearily, Rogue pulled the door open, unable to maintain her hard, uncaring front for Storm. It took too much energy, and she always saw through it.
As soon as her eyes met Rogue's, Storm's excitement moved aside to let concern enter her face. "Rogue, are you all right?"
"Ah will be," she brushed aside the concern, unwilling to discuss it yet. The wounds were still too fresh. "Yah need somethin'?"
Storm's face brightened again. "Yes, please come with me. I have someone I would like for you to meet."
"Can it wait?" Rogue asked plaintively. "Ah rally don' feel like..." She broke off at the determined look in Storm’s pale blue eyes.
Storm shook her head firmly. "I think it cannot. It may even cheer you a bit."
"Ah doubt that, but if it means that much to yah, Ah'll come humor you."
"Good," Storm smiled secretively. "Then follow me."
Rogue just nodded and moved mechanically, her mind elsewhere.
Meanwhile
"Fancy runnin' into anotheh true Southeneh here in New York," the blonde drawled. "Lousyanna? You're a Cajun, then?"
"I been called dat, oui," Gambit replied with a smile.
"But you ain't?" she smiled back. "Or you are?"
"Depends on how you mean de word, chere," he shrugged. The blonde only laughed and raised her eyebrows.
She was perfect: Southern, pretty, wild and full of attitude, independent, and nonmutant. Just what he needed. Hair of the dog...
Fifteen minutes later
The cold air swept the tears off Rogue's burning cheeks. The solitude of flight combined with her already depressed thoughts formed a mood so poignant she had to give in to it with a few silent tears. She was a little surprised by that; she thought she’d cried herself out earlier. Storm was kind enough not to ask, pretending she didn't notice her friend's obviously private problems. Rogue was infinitely grateful for that.
Rogue had felt her heart break when she'd fled from Gambit's room, knowing from that point there was no going back, knowing also there was no other way open to her. She'd done what she had to, but that didn't mean it would be easy. She was fairly sure she loved him, but since normal love wasn't possible for her, she had to bury her feelings and let him be free. That bitter gift was the only kind of twisted love she could offer him, caring enough to force him to find someone else. A quick, clean break of his heart was kinder and would heal much faster than the slow, agonizing crushing that fate was setting them up for. She knew that, but oh, it hurt so much. She wished she could have stayed long enough to explain her reasons to him, but she had to flee. The tears had been coming, and she couldn't break down in front of him. She wouldn't reveal her weakness, not to him, not to anyone. Well, Storm had seen her cry, but she couldn't escape Storm. Storm could follow her anywhere, and she alone knew that, despite what she said, Rogue did need someone to follow and comfort her. She was grateful to Storm for that, but no one else had better try it.
Not that anyone would. She'd done such a good job keeping everyone out that only one person dared to brave her cold front. So she'd had to chase him away, too. She’d done a good job of that; he certainly wouldn't try it again. And she had no one to blame for her pain. She'd gotten scared and pushed him away, just like always. Oh, she could tell herself it was for his own good, but she'd just been scared of what would happen. Scared of love. She wanted to love him. Why pretend? She did love him, but she was so afraid of hurting him.
Or was she afraid he'd tire of the game of trying to love her? The challenge would only hold his interest for so long before he moved on to the next game. Did she think she had to reject him before he rejected her? No! Rogue cried out silently to herself. Ah love him. Ah'm just so scared.
Of hurting him or yourself? something inside her taunted.
Ah love him! she screamed back in her head. Ah love him. She closed her eyes and let the tears come, the wind cooling her flaming cheeks.
Rogue felt a gentle touch on her arm. "Rogue, are you all right?" Storm asked softly, now hovering by her side.
"Ah don't know, Storm," she sighed. "Ah jus’ don' know anymore."
"I don't wish to pry, but if you need to talk about it, I will listen," Storm said gently.
"Ah..." Rogue shook her head. "Storm, Ah can't even think 'bout it coherently right now." She blinked to stop the tears. "Let's just go wherever it is we're goin' an' get this over with."
Storm nodded and flew downward into an alley, contemplating the wisdom of her timing. Rogue followed slowly to land with the other by a manhole. "The Leech will be inside," Storm announced, stooping to lift the cover.
"Ah'll get that, sugah," Rogue said, bending automatically to move it. "Least there's somethin' mah powers're good for." She deftly removed the cover and stood. "After you, sugah."
Storm nodded and slipped down the tunnel, fighting off a surge of claustrophobia. This was more important.
Rogue followed silently, lost in her melancholy thoughts, watching numbly as Storm carefully chose their passageways, remembering her earlier trip. After a few minutes in the dark cold, Storm stopped in a dim tunnel. "Now we wait to be found."
"Found? By who?" Rogue asked, also stopping.
"The Morlocks," Storm answered. "Someone will come to take us to the Leech."
"They know we're comin'?"
"The Leech does. He wishes for you to meet him."
Why? Rogue thought with a frustrated sigh. Storm's closed expression made it obvious there was no further explanation coming. If she's 'ginst the idea, why'd she bring me? Rogue wondered. If not, what's the big secret? I got a feeling she's up t'somethin'. If only Ah knew what.
"Who are you?" came a harsh voice, a form suddenly appearing in the shadowy tunnel.
"Morlock, I am Storm," the calm woman replied. "We are here to see the Leech."
"Who's she?" he asked suspiciously, remaining in the shadows, out of sight.
"My companion," Storm replied shortly, her pale blue eyes icy.
"As you say," he replied gruffly. "I'll show you to the Leech's quarters."
"Thank you, but we know the way," Storm brushed by him imperiously, Rogue following. When they were out of the guard's hearing, Storm spoke again more normally. "I apologize for the act. They expect it of me." Rogue nodded, not quite sure what she meant but too listless to ask.
Storm stopped before the Leech's door and knocked demandingly. It was opened , and Storm entered without invitation, Rogue still in tow.
"Welcome again, lady Storm," the Leech nodded closing the door. "This is your friend?"
"Yes, Leech," Storm replied warmly. "This is Rogue."
"Pleased t'meet yah, sugah," Rogue smiled, hand extended. The Leech nodded, taking her offered hand and carefully studying her face. She felt a strange tingling sensation rush over her, so subtle and quick she decided she'd only imagined it. Her thoughts felt strangely clear, and she suddenly realized how tired and drained she truly was. It had been a long, weary day.
Her eyes closed momentarily to rest from this draining, Rogue missed the approving glance of confirmation that passed between Storm and the Leech.
Meanwhile
"You find Gambit intrestin', chere?" the cajun asked with a smooth grin.
"Fasc'natin'," the blonde drawled her agreement. "And yet," with a raised eyebrow, "a bit of a puzzle as well."
"How so, chere?" Gambit responded.
"Well, I just feel like there's more t' you than I'm seein'," she replied with a meaningful shrug.
"I take you somewhere, an' maybe you un'erstan' Gambit better," he suggested with a very crafty glance.
"Maybe," she agreed, returning the suggestive look. "Why don' we try it an’ find out?"
Moments later
"Storm, Ah'm feelin' real tired all 'f a sudden," Rogue murmured. "You mind too much if we don' stay so long? Nothin’ personal, Leech."
"No, Rogue, I would not mind. We came only for you to meet the Leech. We may leave any time you wish," Storm replied, suppressing a telling smile.
Rogue nodded and turned to their host. "Yah won' be offended if we leave now, will yah?" she asked almost plaintively.
"No, you may go," he agreed. "Come again, lady Storm. Your Morlocks enjoy your presence here."
"I shall, Leech," Storm smiled, thanking him with her eyes. "Come, Rogue. Let us return."
"Yeah, sure," the other murmured tonelessly. "Nice meetin’ ya and all."
Storm moved gracefully down the tunnels to where the Morlock guard had challenged them. With a quick glance over her shoulder to be sure Rogue was following, Storm left the ground, rushing up the tunnel.
Rogue moved to follow and discovered her feet wouldn't leave the floor. Flying had become so automatic that she panicked when it failed her. "Storm!" she called out in terror. "Somethin's wrong!"
"What is it, Rogue?" Storm asked, smothering a smile as she slowed and turned back.
"Storm, Ah can't fly," Rogue said desperately. "Mah powers, or Ms. Marvel's, they're gone."
Seeing her friend's panic, Storm decided it was time to let the secret out and ease her concern. "Rogue, do you know what the Leech does?"
"What?" Rogue looked up baffled. "What’s that have to do with it?"
"I apologize for frightening you," Storm smiled gently. "I suppose I should have told you I was bringing you here to have the Leech remove your powers." Rogue's eyes widened from panic to confusion. "That's his power, Rogue. He removes others' powers for a period of up to eight hours."
Rogue's face smoothed and brightened as she realized what her friend meant. "Mah powers are gone for eight hours?"
"Yes, Rogue," Storm smiled. "An eight hour reprieve from your curse."
"Thank you, Storm," Rogue whispered, her voice thick, tears filling her eyes again, but this time from joy instead of misery.
"You're welcome, my friend," Storm said, her eyes a bit misted as well at her friend’s intense emotion. "Now, maybe we should return to the mansion so you can make the best use of this gift." Rogue's eyes spoke her eager agreement for her. "Come, I shall carry you."
"Are you sure mah powers're completely gone?" Rogue asked, instinctively stepping away from the contact. In reply, Storm offered one hand for Rogue to test. Hesitantly, Rogue removed one glove and took Storm's hand, gasping in delighted surprise as their hands met without incident. Her face alight with radiant joy and disbelief, Rogue slipped both gloves off and tucked them into her jacket pockets. Smiling, she moved to where Storm could get a hold of her for the flight home.
Thirty minutes later
Rogue glanced over at her jacket laid neatly across her bed and down at her bare hands. She would have changed into something nicer than her uniform, but she couldn’t stand to waste any of the time she'd been given. It was amazing how much delight she found in taking her gloves off without fear, something anyone else would have taken for granted. How precious a gift is normalcy.
During the walk through the halls to Gambit's room, Rogue began plotting out the perfect scenario. She'd silently open the door, slip up behind him and deliberately set her bare hand on his cheek. She could envision the shocked look on his face when he turned to see who it was. She'd move her right hand onto his shoulder and move till they were just barely touching, tucking her other hand behind his head to pull his lips to meet hers. Just as she'd longed to do for years, since the first time his burning eyes had met hers, the first time she’d felt her heart melt with that rakish smile. To be able to touch someone, to feel like she could love him, finally. That was all she wanted, and now, finally, after all this time...
NO! She bit her lip to keep from crying it aloud; she'd have died of humiliation. Better to slip away now without anyone knowing. A confrontation would only destroy the few shreds of dignity she had left. At least she hadn't been seen.
Humiliation and bitter fury burning through her, Rogue ran to the Danger Room, needing to strike back at something. Androids and holograms would have to do. Tears stinging her eyes, she viciously jabbed the buttons to set up a unique program, not trusting herself to speak the commands in an even, steady voice the computer would understand. Angrily brushing the tears from her flaming cheeks, Rogue fled from the control room to the training area. The only way to escape this humiliation was to fight back, destroy something. She had to lash out; she was so hurt and angry. For once, she'd been able to open her soul, and then...How could he! Tears of fury and pain flooding her eyes, Rogue stood facing the robots changed by holograms into the one person she most wanted to hurt, the one she both loved and hated.
Meanwhile
Storm entered the war room where most of the others were gathered in an unofficial meeting, a secretive smile on her face. "Jean, would you check on Gambit?"
"Storm, you know I generally dislike intruding upon people's privacy," Jean said, taken aback by the request, especially coming from Storm. "If there is some reason, I could make an exception, but I must know why. This isn't something I usually feel comfortable doing."
"Why d’ya ask, Storm?" Jubilee asked. "Ya worried 'bout him?"
"No, not worried exactly," Storm replied evasively.
"So what d'you know that we don't," Wolverine growled quietly.
"I'd just like to know if it worked," she replied meaningfully and evasively.
"If what worked?" Jubilee asked with a puzzled glance at her. Storm only gave her a mysterious smile.
"Storm, if you feel it justified, I will do it," Jean replied at last, her respect for the older woman influencing her normally courteous policies. "But I do hope you have a reason." Calmly, Jean closed her eyes and sent her thoughts soaring towards Gambit. "Oh, my," she murmured, opening her eyes with a start, a slight blush coming to her face. "Storm, I assume you have an explanation," she said, perplexed.
"I requested a favor from one of the Morlocks," Storm explained. "The Leech. I believe you're familiar with him from an encounter which allowed you to see Scott's eyes." She waited for Jean to catch the veiled reference.
"You mean you...Oh, I see!" Jean's face brightened as Storm's meaning caught on. "How perfect, Storm! Why did we never think of this sooner?"
"He’s just recently learned the required control," Storm replied.
"Would either of you mind letting the rest of us in on this?" Jubilee asked a bit angrily.
"Storm's Morlock friend temporarily removes mutants' powers with no negative side effects," Jean explained simply.
"His powers used to operate as a general ambiance that drained all mutants around him, but he has now learned to keep the energy inside and let it out in small focused bursts to negate a mutant’s powers for hours with out his presence being required," Storm clarified.
"And?" Jubilee asked irritably. She hadn't put things together, but Beast was softly chuckling. Wolverine was still sitting with his arms crossed on his chest, unmoving, but there was a slight smile on his face as well.
"Well, it occurred to me that mayhaps he and Rogue should cross paths," Storm commented innocently for Jubilee’s sake. "It just happened to happen today."
"So?" Jubilee shrugged, disgruntled at being left out of the joke. Then her eyes widened. "Oh! You mean Storm just sent Jean to check on..." Jubilee broke off in a fit of laughter. "Storm, everybody thinks you're so proper, and then, out of nowhere, you come up with this and set Jean up to mind-walk in at a time like that." Jubilee was convulsing with laughter, and from the look on Storm’s face, it was probably fortunate she was unable to continue.
Ignoring the teenager's comments, Storm turned back to Jean. "Was it wrong of me to interfere?"
"Of course not!" Jubilee exclaimed, having calmed down enough to speak coherently.
"From my brief contact with his mind, Gambit is," Jean added with a delicate cough, "quite happy."
Seconds later
Rogue gasped as a minor explosion burned into her side. Ah forgot, she thought bitterly. Ah can't fly. Ah don' have mah powers. The reminder brought a new wave of fury over her, causing her to leap at the nearest robot and whip the staff from his hands, whirling on the others. "Ah hate you," she snarled through tears, lashing the staff at the robots as more explosions caught her in the back and thigh. Another staff slammed into the back of her head, and she turned, delivering a sharp kick that put one more robot out of the fight. She turned weakly back to the other six, mind reeling and vision blurred by tears and dizziness.
There was only on firm thought in her mind. Destroy. She swung the staff at a robot's midsection. Shock ran through her arms as it was wrenched from her grip. No powers, no extra strength, she thought, chastising herself for forgetting. You’re jus’ like anybody else would be up against him. With a rush of desperate fury, she darted at a robot with a staff, ducking a glowing card that hit the floor beside her. She dispatched her target with a knee in the stomach and a blow to the face. She grabbed the fallen robot's staff, glad the hologram faded when the robot was disabled. She didn't know if she could handle facing that still, lifeless form with his face, knowing she was responsible.
Enough! she thought angrily at herself and lunged viciously at another robot. A thrown card hit her back and threw her off course, causing her to miss the robot's chest, her blow catching him in the pit of the stomach. The robot doubled over, and a swift blow to the back of the neck left him cold. Another one out! She was losing count. How many were left? Her vision was clouding, and the images swam before her eyes, distorting the number of enemies left.
A card stung her hand, and she dropped the staff. Seeing her go down after it, they closed in. No! Ah'm not done for yet! A cry of fury ringing in her head, Rogue shattered one of the robot's heads with her retrieved staff, a surge of elation running through her. It dampened quickly as the form fell. This one's hologram lingered a moment after he fell. Staff falling from her grip, she stood transfixed, staring at him in horror. A blow to the head partially shook her from her reverie. She broke completely from her trance as the fallen form's hologram flickered and melted away, leaving a collection of metal and mangled equipment.
Head whirling, Rogue turned to face the three remaining enemies. She could see three separate, if slightly blurred, forms now, one with a staff, two with cards ready to throw. Seeing the forms' arms move, she ducked to the floor. One card hit her back, but only one, so she must have dodged the other.
She tried to scramble to her feet, but her arm gave out, and she fell back again. She fell onto the edge of the staff and quickly pulled it away, lashing at the legs of the nearest figure. He fell to her level, and she managed a kick in the head as they scrambled across the floor, cards exploding all around. Two more, she thought desperately. Only two more.
Meanwhile
"Jean, would you mind looking in on Rogue as well?" Storm asked cautiously.
Jean looked a bit torn between curiosity and respect for privacy. "Storm, I'm really not sure I should, now that I know what I'm getting into." The last part was said with a quizzical twist to her lips as she tried to remain serious.
"Jean, please," Jubilee begged. "Can ya really say that ya aren't the least bit curious to know what Rogue feels. It's her first chance to actually be normal and feel what everyone else feels all the time. Well, everyone with much of a life, but anyway, aren't ya curious?"
"Yes, I am curious," Jean agreed. As Jubilee started to seize that advantage, she continued. "But curiosity is not a sufficient excuse for me to invade. And for the very reason that this is a unique experience for her, I feel we should leave it be."
"But, Jean..." Jubilee began whining.
"Jubilee, I wish to respect her right for privacy," Jean stated firmly. "The matter is closed."
Seconds later
Rogue pulled herself to her feet, facing her two remaining opponents. One sent a card at her, and her weak effort to dodge failed. She felt a small trickle of blood running down her side and limped towards the one with the cards, judging him to be the greater threat. The other's staff caught her stomach and head in quick succession. A fresh wave of pain exploded through her head, along with the rueful thought that she might have been wrong. Dismissing the thought and trying to shake off the blows, she struggled on towards her goal, head whirling, side throbbing. She was no longer operating on hatred, only a desperate need to survive. She had to stop these last two before they killed her. No one was controlling this to ensure her safety. And the Danger Room, aware of her usual invulnerability, automatically deactivated its safety features for her solo sessions. It was all up to her.
An explosion hit her left shoulder. Stifling a cry of pain, she struck the thrower with her staff, a weak blow that he shrugged off easily. Breathing raggedly, she aimed more carefully and jabbed the end into his abdomen, knowing she was too weak to muster the leverage and force for a good swing. The robot bent a bit in response to her feeble attack, slightly clutching his midsection. She swung her weapon at his head, trying to use that momentary advantage. He jerked quickly upright and to one side, avoiding her slow attack.
Falling back on a strategy born of desperation, Rogue aimed a sweeping kick at her opponent's legs, knocking him off balance, and then sent her staff down on his head. As he fell limp, illusion cloak falling away, she felt the one remaining robot's staff crack into the back of her head. Waves of red and black swept through her field of vision, and she fell to her knees, jolting her bleeding side, the sharp pain bringing tears to her eyes and clearing the numbness from her head. A well-aimed strike lashed into her ribs on the uninjured side, and she felt something crack. A low moan escaped her lips as she dragged herself to her feet, staggering under a blow to her back, aimed at the kidneys. She turned to face her final opponent, the hardest one to beat. She was tired, weak, and painfully injured. This last one was going to be the best, too. She cursed the Shi’ar technology that adapted her opponents to counter her technique as she went along.
She turned to find him standing nonchalantly, staff twirling slowly to form a protective shield that could lash out at any time. His face was set into that defiant, mocking grin he always wore while fighting. Such a perfect copy. She half expected him to speak to her.
But he didn't; he was only an android, not the real thing. He simply stood, staff spinning, awaiting her move. Like a chess game, she thought irrelevantly. He just made a crushin' move, and he's waitin' for mah response. Hope Ah have one. Well, if he's waitin', Ah have time t' catch mah breath and plan this one out.
The whirling staff protected his upper body and his legs to the knee. The only vulnerable area was lower leg. If she could get a good strike in and make him drop his guard, maybe she could take him out. If she had the strength and the speed left in her. The staff was whirling as fast as her mind, and its steady spin began to mesmerize her deadened senses. Her head was throbbing with her heartbeat, it hurt to breathe, and her legs were buckling. Her vision was clouding over again, and everything was beginning to spin at the same pace as his staff. Her arms went dead, and her own staff fell from her hands, the clatter as it hit the metal floor barely registering on her dulled mind.
A hard blow exploded through her clouded mind, and she felt a small warm trickle of blood on her left cheek. She felt her body stagger, and she knew if she went down now, she wouldn't get up again. No one was keeping an eye on her, and by the time they were alerted, this robot would have finished the mission she had programmed it for.
Strengthened by desperation and the instinctive will to live, she struggled to stay on her feet. Digging one organized thought from her swirling mind, she lashed her left foot out at her opponent's ankles, knowing she had to get him down before she went. Feeling his balance give way, she tried to follow up her advantage, but her vision was clouded and spinning.
A wave of dizziness swept over her as she knelt to retrieve the staff, and the strength rushed from her deadened limbs. She collapsed on the floor. Her clouded mind reeled, and waves of darkness threatened to overcome her. Weakly, she fought against them, and she remained conscious, for the time being.
Disoriented, thoughts spinning, Rogue blinked to clear her fuzzed vision. When her senses returned, she realized she was not laying on the floor as she'd supposed, but on another body. "Remy?" she asked softly, one hand brushing her hair from his cheek, trying to make out details through blurred eyes.
A fist hit her face sharply, and the taste of blood in her mouth reminded her of where she was. Refusing to give up what little advantage she had, Rogue remained on top of her struggling adversary, fairly certain this was her last chance. She raised herself up a bit and began crashing his head into the floor, desperate, beyond logical thought.
This ain't workin', she thought, doubling over from a sharp blow to the stomach. Weakly, she opened her eyes and saw her opponent's discarded staff, forgotten and lying only a few feet away. Mah only chance, she thought weakly. Struggling against the wave of nausea that rushed over her, Rogue dove for the staff. As her fingers wrapped tightly around it, she whirled, aiming for his head. A sharp kick in her already bleeding side threw off her aim and sent her sprawling in pain. He stood over her, foot raised over her head to finish her off. Desperate, Rogue rolled away, staff clasped fiercely to her body.
Reacting out of desperation and terrified instinct, Rogue lashed the staff out, aiming for her opponent's stomach, hoping to knock his breath away to give her some small chance for survival. Somehow, the blow missed its intended target and crushed viciously into her adversary's groin. Despite her weak condition and blurred vision, Rogue smiled grimly as she watched him double over in intense pain. As she dragged herself to her feet, Rogue's head began throbbing again, and she felt the warmth of blood on her side and face.
Steeling away the pain and weakness, fighting to steady her shaking limbs, Rogue raised the staff, sending it crashing down into her writhing opponent's head, grinning in bitter satisfaction as she felt the metal skull crush under her blow. He fell limply to the ground, hologram slowly dissolving to leave the metal skeleton of a Danger Room droid.
There, she thought weakly. Ah'm finished. Head spinning, vision fading, Rogue stumbled about on shaking legs, trying to work her way to the door. Gasping with pain at every breath, she closed her eyes to block the tears that came. Ah need help, she thought weakly. Beast can treat me. Ah just got to get to him. Head whirling, body battered and unresponsive, Rogue's weak legs gave out under her, and she collapsed to the floor, slipping into unconsciousness as her body crashed down hard.
Meanwhile
"Jean, just a quick check," Jubilee pleaded.
"No, Jubilee, it's not right," Jean shook her head firmly. "I won't intrude."
"Just a quick peek, just to be sure," Jubilee whined.
"To be sure of what?" Storm asked quickly, a bit concerned. Rogue was not acting normally when I went to get her, she recalled. Did something happen that Jubilee knows about? How could she? And yet...
"Just to check," Jubilee shrugged off Storm's query.
"Would you check on her, Jean?" Storm agreed, truly worried as she recalled her friend’s emotional state.
"I'm not really sure that I should," the other replied dubiously, confused by Storm’s sudden change of heart. "Her privacy should be respected."
"Please, Jean, just to be sure. Without her powers, she's very vulnerable," Storm persisted.
"Gumbo'll take care of her," Wolverine growled.
"All the same, I do feel slightly ill at ease about this," Beast murmured thoughtfully. It's as if someone's calling to me, he thought. As if she needs my help.
"As do I," Storm agreed firmly.
Jean sighed. "I'm afraid we're outnumbered, Logan," she remarked lightly. "A quick check, no more, to ease your concern," she added with a troubled glance at Storm.
"Thank you," Storm replied with a slight nod.
Drawing in breath for concentration, Jean closed her eyes and sent her thoughts out to find her target. With a gasp and a soft, whimpered cry, Jean sprang to her feet, eyes flying open wide with shock and a touch of fear.
"My, my," Wolverine said drolly. "The cajun must know a few tricks Cyke doesn't."
"No," Jean said, eyes still wide. "She's not with him."
"What?" Storm exclaimed.
"She's not with Gambit," Jean repeated firmly. "And she's in terrible pain."
"Where is she?" Beast asked with concern.
"I don't know," Jean replied desperately. "I broke contact before I discovered her location."
"Can you go back?" Storm suggested worriedly.
"I'll try," Jean murmured dubiously and closed her eyes. After a moment, she opened them again and slumped back into her chair. "Danger Room," she gasped raggedly. "Hurry!"
"Are you all right?" Storm asked on her way out the door.
"I'm fine," she gasped commandingly. "Go to Rogue; she’s not." Storm nodded and rushed off after Beast and Jubilee, feet leaving the floor as she sprung into flight.
"Logan," Jean called as he moved a bit more slowly after the others.
"Jean?" he replied as gently as he could.
"You're not going with the others." Her telepathic ability made it more a statement than a question.
"She’s got a doctor and enough nurses that I’d only be in the way. I'm gonna get the cajun," Wolverine growled, leaving the room before she could protest.