Part Seven: Incurring Damage
Dr. McCoy showed them the latest of Rogue's test results. The troubling parts were two separate sets of brain waves (both weak) and her continually slowing heart rate. They all knew the consequences if Rogue remained in this state much longer. They each agreed to do whatever they could to get her back.
Professor Xavier only saw darkness when he tried to read Rogue's mind. He knew that there was consciousness as her eyes were moving in REM sleep. "It's not working. If I push any harder I might cause permanent damage. Hank, have her vitals showed any change?"
"No changes in anything. Her brain waves are more active than a person in her state should be. Later Gambit wants to try to have the boy bond with her."
"That's fine. Later we'll try to see if Jean will have any better luck since her powers have been absorbed."
"That might also be part of the problem. It seems that perhaps was the start of the whole affair."
"Anna."
"Yes?" She was once again on the window sill, staring into space. "What is it, Rogue?"
"Why didn't ya just stay separated from me? Ya seemed to enjoy being your own person than part of me."
"Ah can't. You and ah are one being. There's no way we can be apart for very long and both of us survive."
"Then why didn't you just let me die? You had plenty of chances."
Anna shook her head. "It wouldn't be right. Ah'm only part of the reason Remy-"
"He isn't sincere. How can you believe that?"
"How can you not believe? He's still here, waiting for us, taking care of our son. If he didn't want to do it he would have left."
Rogue sighed. Arguing with herself was getting nowhere and she wasn't strong enough to lock Anna away. They both went to the window to catch glimpses of the outside world.
Remy sat by the bed as Reñe wriggled on his mother's chest. Occasionally he would yank on her gloved fingers, but was quickly frustrated by the lack of movement. "It's alright, Reñe. Ain't your fault."
He kissed the boy lightly as he gathered him up, then dared a gentle kiss on Rogue's forehead. *Chere, we need you.*
"Are you done, Remy?" Jean asked.
He hoisted the baby to his shoulder. "Oui. Good luck."
Jean nodded, feeling a little jealous at Rogue's little family. When father and son were gone she sat at the head of the bed. Delving into Rogue's mind was a delicate process.
Anna and Rogue's heads snapped up. "What was that?"
"Feels like a psychic probe. They must be trying to wake us up Anna."
"That wouldn't be a bad thing. The longer we're here-"
"Ow! Dammit!" Rogue fell to her knees, clutching her head. Anna placed her hand on her counterpart's head and lifted the other. "Stop it!"
"Here. Help me push her back." Rogue took her hand and felt centered. Together they felt Jean's presence and pushed her out.
In the medlab, Jean was knocked to the floor. "What was that?" She brushed the hair away from Rogue's forehead. "How on earth did you do that?"
