Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Chapter 3

How 'Bout it Doc.?

"Hello again Victor." Before settling in her chair, Erica went over and removed the steel muzzle. "Professor Xavier has allowed me to remove this during our sessions. However, there will now be an X-Man posted on guard at the door." There were small wounds around his mouth that began healing quickly. "Does that feel better?"

Creed worked his mouth around several times before answering. "Feels a lot better."

Erica smiled as she settled onto her chair. "I'd like to start with your later childhood. What do you remember after…the incident with your parents?"

His toothy grin was more eerie without the muzzle to hide it. "Don't remember too much before I started working in the Weapon X program in Canada. You probably already know, but they did a real nice job of messin' up my head. The runt's too. Can't be sure how much is me and how much was put there."

Erica's voice was soft and encouraging. "That doesn't matter to me Victor. If you remember it and you think it happened, I want to know."

"Ain't too much interesting to tell. The Canadian government trained me to kill. Worked for 'em on a special ops team with the runt, Maverick, and Silver Fox. I killed Fox as a birthday present to the runt." He chuckled for a moment before continuing. "Eventually I got sick of the good little soldier routine. Can't figure out how Cyke does it. Always kissin' up to Xavier and jumpin' through hoops like a trained dog. Jeaney don't realize how much better she could've done."

"Do you like Jean?" Erica paused in her notes to watch his reaction.

Creed remained silent looking almost thoughtful. "I guess I've got a bit of a soft spot for Red. She can sure hold her own in a fight." Another laugh.

Erica looked back to her notes. "What did you do when you stopped working for the government?"

"Whatever caught my interest. Mostly killing. Had a couple real nice houses and some sweet rides for a while. Course that was before Birdy went and sold me out. Had some fun times workin' with the Marauders. Didn't last long though.

"Me I'm not the type who works real well with others or for them. As far as I'm concerned, Magneto and Xavier are both full of it. Neither one of 'em realizes there dreams are never gonna happen. They'll just keep fighting each other 'til dooms day." He relaxed a little looking satisfied.

"Why do you-" Creed's voice interrupted before more could be said.

"I got a question for you. It's been bothering me since your little demonstration yesterday." She nodded encouraging him to continue. "That meadow, is it the only place you can go?"

"No, it isn't. Like I said before, my dream world is only limited by my imagination."

"Alright, then answer me this. If you're a telepath, why don't you put the two powers together and visit a place in someone else's head?"

Erica sat for several moments considering the possibilities good and bad. "I've never attempted anything like that before. Truth be told, I can only barely read unguarded minds, but what you're suggesting does seem plausible to me. However, in your case there is the minor obstacle of your strange immunity to telepathic intrusion."

"Maybe, but if I'm giving you an invite, I figure that changes things a little." Erica nodded her agreement. "So how 'bout it?"

"I'd like to consult with Professor Xavier before-"

Victor cut her off. "So you're no different from the rest of them X-dweebs. Can't do a damn thing without Xavier holding your hand or giving you orders. Makes things nice and simple if something goes wrong doesn't it? You can just blame chrome dome."

Erica knew she was being baited, but she also knew it was working. "Now, just a minute Victor. Professor Xavier is a much more powerful and a much more experienced telepath than I am. He might have valuable insights that could keep both of us from getting into serious trouble."

Victor laughed. "Quit making excuses just 'cause you're scared of me. He doesn't know anything more about putting the two together than you do." She hated to admit it, but he had a point. To her knowledge, she was the only mutant in the world with such a power and that made this totally unknown territory to her and Xavier. But on the other hand, she'd never attempted to enter another person's mind. Let alone a murderous psychotic with deep-rooted problems.

What could go wrong? It's all a dream in the end anyways. On one level, Erica realized she was being duped into doing something very rash and foolish, but she was also curious. Yet…the professor might have something to input. Something she didn't or couldn't know about.

Victor's low voice interrupted her train of thought. "Let me make it easy for you. My invitation is now or never…"

Erica took a deep breath and nodded. This was an opportunity she could not pass up. "Alright then, I'll try." Hesitantly she moved the plain wooden chair closer and sat back down in it. "Focus on a specific memory you want to revisit." Victor twitched when her soft fingers brushed his temples. Their eyes locked and the room faded away to blackness.

Just as swiftly as before, the blackness was replaced, but this time it was no peaceful meadow. Dank old stone curved around them forming a dark tunnel. Everywhere echoed the screams of the dieing and soon to die. A stench like nothing she had ever smelled before choked Erica. Sewer was overwhelmed by the stink of dead bodies and fresh blood. An awful amount of fresh blood.

"Where-"

"Morlock tunnels. Back when I was with the Marauders. Look there." Erica looked to where he was pointing and gasped in surprise. A younger Sabertooth stood profiled at the end of the tunnel where it opened out. In his hands, he held up a thin trembling young man. Erica could feel her heart pounding as though time itself had slowed down. Once…the other Sabertooth raised his free hand fingers tensed like claws. Twice…the hand began its downward descent. Three times…Erica was somehow closer though she didn't remember moving. She watched in fascinated horror as five sharp claws met with yielding flesh. Blood jetted from the unfortunate mutant's throat.

A single large drop landed wetly on Erica's cheek. She brushed at it smearing the droplet. When she caught sight of the red stain on her fingertips, her mind began slowly processing the implications. Erica collapsed to her knees too shocked to continue standing.

This was a memory, one of many. One murder out of hundreds, probably more. Behind her Creed gave a long low whistle. "Look at that spray! Don't get that kind of distance very often." Deep echoing laughter followed his words.

Erica looked up at him a tear sliding from her eye for all the innocent victims he had killed. "How could you?" Her voice was soft, confused, and she felt betrayed somehow. "How?"

His laughter faded as he looked down to meet her wide-eyed gaze. "Easily."

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