**I do not claim any of Marvel Comics characters or original story. This is just my twist on an already excellent story. No money is being made off of this story. Please enjoy and share your thoughts! This story begins with X-Men animated cartoon story, Savage Land. After the Savage Land story, it will change into my own take. It will not follow any strict comic or cartoon story line. So for those faithful followers I apologies and hope you will enjoy my story. I apologize for any grammatical errors that may occur in this short story. I welcome any help! Betas if you are interested please drop me an email. **
Cyclopes stood in the War room starring at a giant screen before him. It had been over a week since the Professor left. Please Professor, send us something! He pleaded to himself. We have to keep on trying to find him, he could need our help. Lowering his head Cyclopes let out a sigh and starred down at the desk beneath the monitor. I might as well try to get some sleep. Jean will no doubt be upset that I stayed up this late. Glancing at the clock on the wall, he realized it was three in the morning. This had become an all too common routine for him since the Professor's absence. The past week held long days full of waiting, training, and hoping for some word to come from the Professor. As he turned to leave the room, a small light caught his attention. Could it be? Quickly he ran over and pressed the button. Please let it be the Professor. As soon as he pressed the button his wish was granted, a message from Professor X appeared on the screen.
"All available X-Men to the War room immediately!", Cyclopes voiced boomed through out the mansion. Within seconds the War room was filled with half awake and grumbling X-Men. "This better not be a stupid surprise training again.", Wolverine grumbled as he entered the room. Storm rolled her eyes and silently moved towards her seat around the War room table. Jean rushed over towards Scott and starred at him as if she already knew what was going on. I felt his message appear. It will be alright. She mentally comforted her fiancé. Jubilee walked in rubbing her eyes and yawning. Beast, who seemed to be the most awake of the group, quickly jumped up grabbing an exposed pipe, flipped through the air, and finally landed in his assigned chair. "And I thought I was the show off around here, Hank. Already had your coffee?", Gambit inquired as he sat down next to the energetic, blue, furred teammate. "What is all the excitement about sugar?" Rogue yawned as she approached the nearest chair. Gambit, of course, watched as Rogue stretched her arms above her head, arching her back slightly at the same time, before sitting down. During her stretch her short T-shirt road up just slightly to expose a nearly perfectly flat stomach. Making no attempt to hide the fact that he was checking her out, Gambit continue to move his eyes up her torso, past her all to tempting breast, to her glaring green eyes. Rogue noticed Gambit and his wandering eyes. "If you know what is good for you Cajun, you will keep your mouth shut. I have not had any coffee yet. I am in no mood to deal with your sass this early in the morning." She growled as she stared at Gambit, who was grinning ear to ear. "Quiet everyone! We finally got a message from the professor!" Cyclopes replied nervously.
The room instantly became silent as Cyclopes played the message from the Professor. "My X-Men I need your help. Here are the coordinates, meet me here as soon as possible." Overall the video was low quality, the image was fuzzy, and the sound was not quite clear. The Professor on the video message looked as if he was in pain or in some kind of trouble. "Something does not feel right with this message.", Storm replied. "I know what you mean, Storm. But if there is any chance the Professor is in trouble we have to help him.", Cyclopes replied urgently. Jean placed her small hand on his shoulder in support. "Well what are we waiting for lets go help Chuck.", Wolverine grumbled as he stood up. "We need a plan first.", Cyclopes replied. "Jubilee you will stay here and watch over the mansion until we return. No argument. The rest get dressed we leave in thirty minutes." Jubilee groaned and rolled her eyes. "I never get to go!" she mumbled to herself. "No worries petite. If we need back up we know who we can count on.", Gambit said as he smiled towards the young Jubilee, who's face flushed for a moment and then revealed a small smiled. "Cajun, you are too much! In a time like this and you are flirting with Jubilee!", Rogue said as she flew up her arms in disgust. "Aw cherie, don't tell me you are jealous. Don't worry Gambit will pay more attention to you next time." He replied with a mischievous smile, as he stroked one of her gloved hands. Quickly withdrawing her hand, Rogue shook her head. "Are you trying to get me to knock your block off this early in the morning?", Rogue fumed, "You know what my powers will do to you if you are not careful." "Maybe its worth it, no? Gambit has been known for his wondrous massages. Maybe you take me up on that offer, chere", Gambit replied as he stepped closer towards Rogue. Quickly Rogue flew up and away from the flirtatious Gambit. "Arrr! I mean it Cajun, push me any further this morning and I'll knock you into next week!" Rogue screeched as she flew off to her room to get ready for the up coming mission. As she flew down the hallway she could hear Gambit's laugher.
Why does he do that? Doesn't he know this is serious? We have to help the Professor. Rogue thought to herself. Come on girl you know you enjoyed Gambit checking you out. It is nice to be noticed. Shaking her head Rogue grabbed her green and yellow uniform out of her closet. Yeah, look but don't touch. That stupid Cajun wants to land himself in the hospital, all for a stupid touch! Oh but what a touch that would be! Could you imagine…..NO! Stop this nonsense! Girl, you need to be focused and lusting after Gambit is not helping you to focus on the mission. She sighed as she finished zipping up her uniform. Starring at herself in the mirror she shook her head. It was because of her uncontrollable powers that she had to wear this uniform; a uniform that protected everyone from her, from her power stealing touch and kept her from feeling another person's touch. As she pulled on her gloves she flew out of her room and headed towards the Black Bird. I hope I can get a seat away from Gambit. I don't know how much more of his idiotic flirting I can take! Sure enough as Rogue flew into the Black Bird, the only seat left was the one beside Gambit. This is going to be a long flight. She thought to herself as she sat down and buckled herself in.
Gambit on the other hand was ecstatic that Rogue had to sit next him on the flight. That's right chere, the only seat left is the one beside Gambit. He thought as he studied Rogue's face as she scanned the jet, desperately looking for anywhere else to sit. Gambit had been tormenting Rogue for the past several weeks; increasingly so since she helped him with Bella Donna and the Guild, when he truly realized their attraction could lead to something more than the occasional flirtatious fling.
Gambit thought for a moment on that memory. He had to leave in order to help his brother. Rogue flew down with Wolverine and Jean to New Orleans after him. When they finally found him, Bella was flaunting their wedding rings around to everyone who would look. Of course she had cursed his so he could not take it off. The look on Rogue's face when she saw that he was married hurt him deeply. She looked shocked, hurt, and worried. For that brief moment Gambit could read those vibrant green eyes as if they were a book meant only for him to read. It was the first time she realized she had any feelings for him. As he watched her green eyes realize this, she instantly became hurt. Those eyes once again read something along the lines of being embarrassed that she had been so naïve. Naïve to think she would be the only one he was interested in. Gambit smiled at this memory. This was one thing he loved about his Southern Belle, she may appear to be tough as nails on the outside, but on the inside was a naïve young woman who had much to learn about life and love.
Gambit vowed to never hurt her like that again and at that moment he wanted do everything in his power to be with Rogue. Gambit lowered his head as he continued to think about that night. Rogue stayed with Wolverine and Jean vowing to save him because he was an X-Men, but he could see it meant more to her that she was letting on. Once the tide was revealed to be a fake, Bella lost her powers, and thus her power over Gambit. He vowed to everyone there that night, that he was neither thief nor assassin anymore; he was an X-Men. He smiled as he thought of Rogue's face as he took off the wedding ring. Her face lit up as she whispered "I knew he didn't love that swamp rat.", to Wolverine and Jean. After the events of that night, Gambit decided to pursue Rogue more seriously.
A simple touch brought Gambit's attention back to the present moment. Rogue had drifted off to sleep and was now laying her head on his shoulder. Smiling, Gambit shifted his arm around Rogue's shoulders allowing her lay head on his chest as she dozed. Aw, mon cherie this is how it should be; cozying up with each other. He thought to himself as he watched Rogue sleeping in his arms.
Since he had arrived with the X-Men they had always had a flirtatious, but not serious relationship. They got along well outside of work, shooting pool, drinking, and enjoying Rogue's expensive red sports car. He knew full well he could never touch her, that happened once and he stayed in intensive care for a week. The part that scared him the most was not the physical repercussions, but the fact that she also absorbed his memories; memories he did not want anyone to ever know about. His past, like many of his fellow X-Men teammates, contained its fair share of skeletons waiting for the perfect time to reappear. Luckily, those memories faded as fast as his absorbed powers.
"Get ready to land. We will be at the Professor's coordinates in 2 minutes.", Cyclopes informed the team as he began the landing preparations. Landing gears within the jet's underside began shifting and grinding together. The sound echoed throughout the silent jet cabin. Gambit gently shook Rogue while saying "Time to rise and shine chere." Rogue sat up, let out a large yawn, and rubbed her eyes. Suddenly she glanced over to see Gambit grinning at her, but there was something else in his look that caught Rogue by surprise. She fully expected him to start making flirtatious comments since she fell asleep on his shoulder, but they didn't happen. Instead he silently watched her with a serious and longing stare. A stare that made Rogue feel as if she had butterflies in her stomach. It's got to be Cykes awful job at trying to land this thing. The stupid air turbulence that's why I got this weird feeling in my stomach, not that goofy looking Cajun. I hate when I fall asleep like that. Damn it that why I always drive, so this doesn't happen. It's like I am some damn little kid always falling asleep when someone else drives. Tearing her gaze away from Gambit's intense stare, she shook her head. Come on girl get your head on straight! You are on a mission to help the Professor. He needs you! Focus!
Roughly the Black Bird finally landed upon the coordinates the Professor sent to his team. "Nice landing one eye, maybe two would have helped you land this thing better.", Wolverine grumbled as he stood up. "Everyone ready? Remember try to stay together, but if we do get split up stay with your partner. Storm and Beast, Rogue and Gambit, Wolverine you will come with Jean and I. Be careful everyone, the Professor is counting on us. Be alert we don't know what is out there waiting for us." Cyclopes instructed the team one final time before opening the Black Bird door. Once open, everyone stepped out cautiously and inspected the area where they landed. "It looks like we are in some kind of jungle." Storm stated. "Fascinating, the coordinates put us somewhere south near Antarctica.", Beast informed everyone. "Look I see the Professor's plane. Rogue, can you move that rock so we can get a better look." Jean asked. "On my way sugar.", Rogue replied as she walked over to the smashed plane. "Let's see what under rock number one, Uh! I can't lift it! Dang it must be heavy rock. Let me try again, Uh! Its as if I don't have my powers!", Rogue said as she tried to keep the panic out of her voice. "Here chere, let Gambit help. First we charge the card. What!? Gambit has no powers either!", he replied. Quickly each X-Man tried to us their powers, all failing.
Gambit may have been the most comfortable without his powers compared to the rest of his fellow teammates. He had been raised by the guild to steal, cheat, and escape people his entire life. Those skills may come in handy now. As he looked over towards Rogue, he could see her panic start to build. He doubted the rest of the team would notice, but he was Gambit. Another ace up his sleeve, a skill he learned from a young age was how to read people, to find their weakness. He mostly used this skill during card games, but now he could see what others would normally miss. Gambit watched carefully as Rogue's pulse quicken, he could see the vein in her neck pulse ever so slightly in a more rapid pace; her eyes were dilated; her breathing was forcefully shallow and slow; her shoulders became stiff as she tried to make herself stand up tall; and sweat began to roll down the side of her profile. To anyone else Rogue looked as she always does, a rock solid, tough southern gal, ready to take on the world.
What am I going to do without my powers? Rogue began to panic to herself. I can't do anything without them! Ok girl hold it together, take a deep breath. You will figure something out. You survived once before with out powers. Yeah with other normal people not other mutants who are out there waiting to harm us. Ok take a deep breath, stand up straight, you need to have your wits about you right now, not feeling sorry for yourself.
In a quick moment Gambit stepped closer to Rogue, pulled off her glove, and held her hand. "It will be alright chere, Gambit is here to protect you.", he whispered with a smile. Rogue, who was caught completely off guard stared at him, was for once speechless. All she could do was nod her head. "Ok everyone lets go find the Professor. There appears to be some kind of tower just north of our location. Let head in that direction.", Cyclopes ordered the team. "Everyone make sure to stay close to your partner, this mission will take every once of training. We can do this without our powers; we just have to be smart about it." No sooner had Cyclopes finished speaking and the team was suddenly attacked by three mutants, who oddly still retained their powers. There was chaos among everyone, one mutant referred to as Vertigo was attacking Jean, Scott, and Wolverine, while another mutant who seemed to be made of stretchy goo was trying to grab Storm and Beast. Rogue and Gambit were forced to face off against a strange looking mutant who looked like an ape. His knuckles dragged on the ground and most of his body was covered in coarse dark hair. His power was some kind of force whenever he burped. "Aw that smells awful!", Rogue replied as she stood up. "Gambit needs to teach you a lesson in manners in how to introduce yourself to a lady.", Gambit said as he quickly used his extendable staff to launch himself into the strange mutant. He feet landed against the mutant's chest pushing him backwards, giving Rogue and Gambit enough time to regroup. Glancing around they notice the rest of the team doing what they could to escape their attackers. "Come on chere lets get out of here!", Gambit said quickly as he grabbed her hand and began to run into the strange jungle before them.
The couple ran into the jungle, unsure of what they would find there. It could not be any worse that going up against a mutant who still retained their powers, could it? The jungle was thick with lust green plants; vines covered any form of a path and made it more difficult for a full the couple to sprint through the jungle. Suddenly Gambit felt Rogue's hand leave his abruptly. When he turned to see what happened he saw Rogue stumbling to the ground. Her foot caught on a root that stuck up in their path. Quickly he ran over and helped her to her feet, but he noticed the limp. "Go on Cajun, I'll be fine. I can distract him so you can get away!"' Rogue said in panic. "Hold on chere. We are in this together." Gambit replied as he tried to survey the surroundings as best he could, looking for somewhere for them to hide. As if some higher being was listening in on his thoughts, an answer to his prayers appeared; a small cave came into view, it was hidden behind several thick trees and plants. To the untrained eye the cave could easily be missed. In one swift motion Gambit grabbed Rogue by the waist and hoisted the both of them into the nearest tree. It would take a bit of climbing to reach the hidden cave. Hopefully there is not anything in that cave. Gambit thought, as he listened carefully as the mutant who attacked them was quickly approaching. Silently he pointed to the cave and help Rogue climb towards the opening. She silently nodded her head and began to climb towards the opening. Thank goodness the good old boys taught me how to climb a tree! Hopefully I can do this quickly even with my sprained ankle. Once inside she reached for Gambit's hand to help him into the cave. Quickly the couple laid down on the floor of the cave, keeping out of site from the entrance, but also trying to keep an eye on who was approaching their hiding spot.
They lay there, motionless as the mutant stood beneath the entrance to their cave. All he would have to do was look straight up and they would be found. All of sudden the mutant answered his radio. "I've lost them. Yes sir, I will help Vertigo bring in the others." Then the strange ape like mutant was gone. Rogue and Gambit continued to lie silently and motionless for a bit longer to make sure it was not a trap to lure them out of hiding. For the next few moments they watched as life on the jungle floor came back to life. Several large, lizard looking animals began running around searching for food. They watched as a strange bird chased away the lizards when they got to close to their nests. A screech was heard above. When they looked up towards the sky, they could not believe their eyes; a pterodactyl soared around in circles. A dinosaur? How can this be true?
Rogue and Gambit cautiously sat up and continued to watch their surroundings come alive. "Remy where are we?", Rogue questions as she watched the dinosaurs roam through the skies. "I don't know chere." He replied. Scanning the area Gambit did not see any traces of the mutant attacker present or nearby. "Rogue, I think we should stay here for the night. It is getting close to sundown. We need a safe place to sleep, so far our spot has kept us from being captured. I will go down and see if I can find us something to eat.", Gambit replied as he held her hand, stroking it ever so slightly. "I'll check to make sure we are alone in this cave, it doesn't look to deep.", she shyly replied as she noticed how good it felt to have him touch her hand. "No worries mon chere, I will be quick.", he replied as he gently kissed the back of hand before jumping onto the nearest tree branch. Catching her breath Rogue began investigating the cave, secretly hoping there was nothing anything occupying the cave.
Gently Rogue stood herself up on her good leg. "Damn this stupid sprained ankle." Rogue cursed as she attempted to bear some weight on the injury. Slowly and carefully she explored the shallow cave. It was fairly dry and cool. In the back of the cave rogue noticed piles of dried leaves. This would be more comfortable than the hard rock for a bed. Rogue thought to herself as she began gathering the dried leaves into a pile towards the front of the cave. "That was exhausting!" Rogue said to herself as she limped through her last trip with leaves. Slowly she slid herself against and down the side of the cave until she was seated on the floor. Carefully she pulled off her boot and examined her injured ankle. What am I going to do now? Not only am I powerless but now I am injured as well! I am in a fine mess. How am I supposed to help the other X-Men when I can't even stand up?
When Gambit returned he saw Rogue sitting on the floor, leaning up against the wall. Her boot was off and she was gently rubbing a naked swollen ankle. He approached her and knelt down to examine the minor injury. "How does it feel chere?" "It's sore. I can't bare any weight on it without it hurting." As she spoke Gambit began rubbing her swollen ankle. "How about now?" "I have to say Cajun you do know how to give a decent massage. Its feels a bit better." She replied with a slightly flushed face. Gambit carefully observed Rogue's reaction as he rubbed her injured ankle. Wow! If this is how she looks while receiving a small massage I can't imagine the look of ecstasy across her face during more imitate times. Her face is flushed, her breathing is more rapid, and those green eyes are blazing!
I can't believe I feel this way over a stupid ankle massage! His touch feels like fire! Boy does he know how to massage an ankle, I can't imagine what else that Cajun knows how to do. It's kind of exciting and scary at the same time. Rogue thought to herself as Gambit began preparing a small meal of items he was able to find within the jungle. It would a vegetarian meal tonight. "Chere, it's not much but it will do for tonight. I hope you like your fruits and nuts. I was able to find some berries, pineapple, coconut, and some almonds." He replied as he divided up the findings and handed them to her. "I guess beggars can't be choosers" Rogue said with a small smile as Gambit slid next to her. As they began to enjoy their meal they noticed it started to rain heavily outside of their cave. "Guess we aren't going anywhere tonight. Between the rain and my bum ankle we are stuck here for the night for sure." Rogue said nervously as Gambit caressed her bare hand. The gentle touch sent shock waves through her making her shudder ever so slightly. Gambit grinned at this sign.
Slowly Gambit leaned in towards Rogue to steal a kiss. Their lips met and what he intended to be a short kiss lengthened and intensified. He felt Rogue wrap her arms around his neck drawing him closer to her. As they kissed he moved his hands from her hand to hold her heart shaped face. A small moan escaped from Rogue as the couple paused in their kissing. Is this really going on? Am I really kissing Remy? I can't believe this! It feels wonderful! I don't want this stop! My head is spinning! What a kiss! Rogue frantically thought to herself as Gambit proceeded to kiss her lips and began moving down her neck.
"Mon Amore you are magnificent.", Gambit whispered as he continued to kiss Rogue's neck. He reach up and began running his fingers through her auburn and white hair. Her hair felt like smooth satin sliding between his fingers. His fingers were still entwined in her hair as he lowered Rogue down onto their make shift bed which consisted of dried leaves found in the cave and Gambit's brown trench coat over top. Rogue looked up into Remy's dark red eyes, now filled with desire. Oh my god! I can't do this! He has been with hundreds of women and I have never been with anyone! I can't do this! Rogue suddenly thought to herself. Rogue abruptly broke off their passion filled kiss and turned her head away. "Rogue, what's the wrong?" Remy asked as he tried to catch the breath she had stolen from him. "Remy, I…..I don't know how to say this I…um. I have not been with anyone else. I know you have been with many women. I …uh…."Rogue quietly said as she continued to stare at the wall, too embarrassed to look at him. Her head was turned away from him and the night's darkness filled the cave, but with the help of a full moon, he could see the blush to her cheeks. He turned her head towards him. "Look at me chere" Shyly she turned her face towards his; he stared into her vivid, innocent, green eyes. "Rogue we do not have to do anything you do not want to do. But believe me when I say no one else matters but you. Chere, you touch me unlike anyone I have ever known. I may be the thief but you have stolen my heart." Gambit replied as he drew her closer into his embrace. Rogue's eyes filled with tears as she turned her face upwards towards his and answered his heartfelt statement with an innocent but passion filled kiss. "Remy, I…I want my first time to be with you.", Rogue said as she stared into his passion filled red eyes. "Rogue, are you sure?" She nodded her head slightly never taking her eyes off his. "Chere, I will treasure this gift you are giving me."
The couple continued with their passionate kissing. Slowly Gambit slid the zipper down the front of Rogue's green and yellow uniform, exposing a perfect figure. He took his time removing the garment, touching every inch of her exposed skin. Her soft skin made his heart race. Rogue watched with wide eyes as he removed her uniform. As each inch of the uniform was removed he placed a kiss in its place, sending shivers through her. "Perfect" Gambit said as he stared down on Rogue's naked form. "I think you have too many clothes on Cajun." With a smirk Gambit began removing his uniform. Rogue watched intently. As he continued removing his garments her eyes never left his. He lowered himself back down top of Rogue, in doing so Rogue realized the true effect she had on him as his hardness pressed against her thigh. Gambit gently nudged her thighs apart with his thigh. Slowly and softly he moved his hand from her quivering stomach, down the side of her slim hip, to his target. Rogue moaned as he began gently exploring her. "Remy please!" she begged as he probed her core with his fingers. "Patience mon amore" He continued to tease her by sliding his fingers in and out of her wet core. Seeing that she was ready Gambit positioned himself at her entrance and slowly entered. "Just relax chere. Trust me" he said as he slid his entire length inside. Rogue gasped at the sudden feeling of pain, which was quickly replaced with intense pleasure. When he finally felt her relax he began to move in a smooth gentle rhythm. Rogue wrapped her long shapely legs around his waist and he slid his hands around her hips, guiding her. "Remy!" she exclaimed as she felt herself starting to lose control. "It's alright chere, come with me" Gambit felt Rogue's body suddenly tense up and then spasm as she reached her fullest pleasure; losing control he too joined her. Together they cried out in pleasure.
Rogue was half-conscious as Gambit stroked her auburn hair. Slowly she drifted off to sleep leaving Gambit to his own thoughts. She was a passionate woman, and it had been his lucky stars she chose him to awaken her. He shifted his weight slightly so he could lie beside Rogue, it was then he realized how satisfied and relaxed he felt. All his life he used women for pleasure only and thought nothing of it, until now. Now that he found Rogue, he felt like he found the other half of himself. This was the first time a woman made him lose complete control. She was apart of him now, he knew there would be no going back. Drawing her close her wrapped his arms around her and drifted off to sleep.
** I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. This story is a mix of comics and 90s cartoon material. I know several other writers have used this similar situation but my story will take a different turn in up coming chapters.