Chapter 2 – The Savage Land
What the X-Men didn't know is that they were heading to the Savage Island, a tropical preserve hidden in Antarctica where Xavier and Magneto were being held by no other than Mr. Sinister.
The place was originally created by Magneto, using theories and methods developed by Professor Xavier, as the site for genetic experiments. Magneto's goal was to create a new human race that would be less trouble to rule than the current one. He decided to re-start evolution from scratch, and control the process to his own specifications; as a result of this, at its current level of advancement, it has dinosaurs. Magneto has seemingly shown no further interest in advancing the evolution of the Savage Land. He came back there, out of curiosity, just to check on its current progress. He invited Charles Xavier to join him in the short trip.
But to his utter disappointment and surprise, after a few days in the land he abandoned, he found out someone else took interest in his experiments and wanted to use the facilities left behind for his own genetic experiments. Mr. Sinister is a genius geneticist, a brilliant biologist, and a skilled surgeon who is well practiced in the science of cloning. One thing was certain, he did not share Magneto's dream of a perfect society in the future. He wanted to gather DNA samples from the most powerful mutants. Doing that would allow him to replicate their abilities within his own body.
Undeniably the top mutants on his list were under his control now. He couldn't be more content.
"Charles Xavier, I never knew capturing you would help my purposes to such an extent. Your DNA seems to be only a bonus. You are about to give me so much more than that."
Professor X gave him a startled look. What could possibly he be talking about? He had to admit the guy was a great man in genetics and had probably accomplished more than anyone else in this field. What his intentions were exactly was a mystery to him, though. Since he arrived, he realized his powers were gone, therefore, he could not tell for sure why Mr. Sinister had kept them there for days already. If he wanted to get their DNA samples, he could have started his procedures already. What was he waiting for? It was so confusing having to guess, he missed his powers so much. Mr. Sinister went on.
"It seems that I am getting more than I bargained for. That's such a thrill."
"What are you talking about, Sinister? Spit it out already." Magneto intervened.
"Well, not only will I get the DNA of two of the most powerful mutants known to exist, I'll also get a bonus for such an achievement. Charles, your mighty X-Men have just landed. So much for devoting your life to protecting humanity from the so called evil mutants and saving innocent ones from human oppression, all for nothing. I guess I'll watch them play around in the jungle a bit. A man is allowed some entertainment, isn't he? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, wouldn't you agree, my powerful guests? Now, Charles, your dear X-Men, those loved creatures of yours, the ones you recruited, protected and helped throughout your life shall perish by your side. HA HA HA HA"
"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!"
X X X X X X X X
"Scott, I can see Professor Charles' plane. Look!"
"Yeah, I think it is him. Prepare for landing, everyone."
As soon as the plane landed and its door was open, all the passengers rushed out of the plane towards Charles' small jet, only to find it empty and damaged at the wings, scattered pieces of the aircraft were all around the area.
"Rogue, can you lift these biggest pieces of debris? He could be trapped under them." Cyclops asked.
"Hummmm, I can't. It…is… too… heeeavy! Hey! My powers! They must be gone!"
"Wait a minute, Cher. All it takes is one little card…"
"No, Gambit! I'll use my psychic powers to lift it up. That way no damage would come to the Professor should he be under it." Nothing happened, the large piece of metal simply didn't move. Meanwhile, Gambit had not been able to charge his card either.
"Clearly, you all seem to have lost your abilities. Fascinating!"
Right after this bombastic revelation, Gambit looked at Rogue through the corner of his eye, trying to read her reaction. He couldn't help but linger a little longer, looking at her intensively. He tried but was unsuccessful in avoiding to let out a wide grin show. She felt the weight of his stare and self consciously pursed her lips and lowered her eyes. Her cheeks blushed, she could feel her pulse quickening, that joke of tell-tale heart she had. I hope nobody's noticing me, she thought. 'Think of the professor. We gotta find him. That's what we are here for' she repeated to herself in her head, trying to focus. 'That's why we are here!'
"But…I do not understand! How, Beast? How could it be possible?" Cyclops hammered his right closed fist into a tree near him.
"I am afraid I cannot answer that question accurately, my dear friend Scott. But I do have some theories. Perchance this is some controlled area. Have you noticed that we are in a jungle and our coordinates sent us to Antarctica? I believe someone must be doing some serious interference in the nature here through scientific experimentation."
"Fuck, what is that even supposed to mean? You don't know shit about what's going on. That makes it two of us, then! We should start moving our asses. We gotta find the professor real quick."
"Wolvie, calm down."- the ever calm and patient Storm said. – "We should have a plan first, don't you think? This place is huge. How are we supposed to find him? If we separated in small groups or pairs, we could cover more of the area in a shorter amount of time. And time is crucial now. What do you say, Scott?"
Jean replied before Cyclops could.
"That's actually a very good idea. There are the seven of us. What about three teams? Maybe, teams could be myself, Scott and Wolverine, then, Beast and Storm and then, Rogue and Gambit. That way we'd be three times faster."
"Are you suuuure about Logan joining us?"
"Why the hell not?"
"Now that is going to be simply great, mes amis. Wish I could join you just to watch the three of you working together. Such a sight that will be."
"Tell me about it!" Scott whispered.
"It's not the time to make jokes, Gambit! Let's check our ear pieces are working so that we can communicate properly. "
"Surprisingly, they are working, Storm! Isn't it curious?" Beast pondered. "Why would anyone deliberately deprive us of our powers but allow such simple things like communication devices function normally?"
"Good question, huh? Now where is each team heading to?" Rogue asked.
"Well, as the women seem to be ruling and giving out orders today. Perhaps, you girls should tell us!"
"Don't be ridiculous, Scott. If that makes you feel better, we'll pass this ball to you, my love! " Wolverine cringed at the last words. Storm, Rogue and Gambit chuckled.
"As you insist… My team could go east, Storm and Beast could head north, Gambit and Rogue… hey, wait a minute! Gambit and Rogue? Together? No offense to you, Rogue. I know you are a tough girl and seemingly immune to Gambit's flirting, but, I believe you guys shouldn't be allowed together. Specially because you have lost your powers. No good can come out of this. I say they won't be able to focus."
Rogue blushed once again.
"Focus, my ass, Scott!"
"For the love of God! Gambit, you are on fire today, my friend! Let's not start fighting amongst ourselves. We have a mission! A very important one! Let's concentrate on it!" Storm said, like a mother preaching her sons who won't stop bickering.
"Well, I'm just saying. I don't want to compromise this mission! As you said, Storm, that is a hell of an important one! I suggest Wolverine works with Gambit and Rogue joins my team."
"No fucking way!" Wolverine and Gambit said almost at the same time.
"Ok, let's just keep it the way I had previously decided. For now. Gambit and Rogue, you can go south."
"Hey! I was the one deciding where everyone's supposed to go!"
"Not your day today, is it, pretty boy? Shut the fuck up and let's move!"
And the trio started running east. Cyclops didn't seem very thrilled about it, but went along. The four remaining X-Men looked at each other a bit confused for a tiny fraction of a second.
"Ok, then. Let's go now, my friend Storm."
"Well, let's, dear. But before we go… Gambit, take good care of my friend, Rogue. When I say good care, not as good as you're probably thinking." He smirked at her recommendation, and mockingly sang:
"People always told me be careful of what you do /
And don't go around breaking young girls hearts. Yee hee."
"You are such a complete jerk, Gambit!"
"I love you too, Storm. But I love Rogue more!"
"Ok, loverman. You are such a good heart! But it's time to go. Let's move!" And Rogue started heading south.
"Hey, wait, Cher. Don't need to get all jealous. You know that my heart belongs to you."
X X X X X X X X
"So, Cher, don't you think that's perfect? The two of us, finally together. With some well deserved alone time in our hands?"
"I don't know about that, Gambit. I know that we have to hurry, and walk as fast as we can before it gets dark. There seems to be some freaking strange creatures around here, we should find a safe place to rest at night."
And she continued walking purposefully into the jungle. She was a bit ahead of him and couldn't foresee what he was about to do. In a quick movement, he pulled her by the waist a bit violently and turned her around so that she would face him. He threw his arms around her shoulder and pressed her body against his. The whole action was so fast that she didn't have any time to react. He leaned over until his lips were almost touching her left ear.
"Honey, there's no around here but us, you don't have to pretend you don't want me."
She had to admit it. Infuriating and arrogant as Gambit can be… those eyes, that grin, that body… it takes a girl's breath away.
"Cajun, I think this is not the right thing to do now. We have more important stuff to do. We gotta find Xavier."
"I know, I agree with you. But a little kiss wouldn't delay our progress that much…"
They were so close, she could feel him. Feel all of him!!! His hot breath over her ear was nerve wrecking. There was no point resisting him. He let go on his arms from her body and gently grabbed her chin and caressed it softly he gave her a warm, kind smile. He slightly tilted his head to one side before kissing her.
Before moving his tongue in, he parted his lips slightly, pulled away a bit, building up more sexual tension between them and finally pushed his tongue inside her mouth. She didn't know exactly what to do with hers. Not like that happens every day in her life, so simply followed suit. They kept kissing for what seemed hours to them. Savoring each moment of their first kiss. Ever slowly, gently but passionate all together. After long as life moments, they finally parted.
"That was… hum… nice…" she said. She was all blush and embarrassment.
"I had better reviews, chér." He said jokingly. "And this time, you didn't suck the life outta me! Sweet! Let's get going, it's just that, I couldn't wait… being with you and being able to kiss you… I had to do it as soon as I possibly could. Come on, gimme your hand. Let's try and move faster."
"Ok, sugar."
"And here, gimme those gloves. I'll keep them in my pockets for you. You don't need them for now."
She smiled widely. She didn't need the gloves. That was so great. Kissing Gambit, that was great too. Her first real kiss. First kiss that she didn't absorb anyone's memories, physical strength or abilities. She was still Rogue and Gambit was still Gambit. His secrets, wrongdoings, past and lovers all in his own head, where they should be.