'...' - Thoughts

Italic - Marie's psyches

[...] - Wolverine psyche inside Logan

{...} - Telepathic conversations

I was so excited about this chapter. Because eveyone's in it. Yay! Anger rises, suspicions grow, and secrets come out. Some to eveyone and some just to you guys. Another thing my Victor isn't the blond knuclehead from X1, but the sauve and sexy Liev Schreiber. I can't wait to hear your comments about this chapter. Though originally I wanted to finish this night in one chapter, but it felt right to end it right there. Anyway now I get to give the next chapter entirely to Logan.

xXx

Chapter Ten

Marie couldn't think, react, move, speak. She was paralyzed, both physically and emotionally. Because the last man she wanted to see right now, was standing in front of her, staring quite intently at Remy, another man she wished who wasn't here.

When suddenly Graydon came bouncing towards them, chattering away quite excitedly. "I'm so glad you guys made it, despite the late invitation. Although I must admit, I'm slightly disappointed that none of you came in leather. I surely thought that while entering enemy territory, you guys would come in all your aplomb." And everyone could see that the leather remark was aimed towards Storm.

His remarks finally made Marie notice that the rest of the Senior Team was there as well. Apparently she was suffering from tunnel vision. Then another thing struck her.

"You invited the X-Men, the infamous group of vigilante mutants, to the unofficial gathering of people in support of the MRA. What is wrong with you, Graydon?"

"It quite simple sister of mine, we aren't savages. Yes, I am an avid supporter of the MRA, but that doesn't mean we want to treat all mutants as animals. In fact me inviting them here, is show of goodwill. To assure the population that the MRA isn't about suppressing the mutant population. Rather it is a method, which will ensure that all of us can live happily and safely." He turned around to face a photographer, the only one who was allowed to cover the party and said to him. "Now my dear man, do your job. Take as many photos as you need." And before any one of them could react, they all had tiny flashing bulbs behind their eyes whenever they blinked. "Good job. Now why don't you circle the floor one more time. Even though election may be far off, but publicity and politics go together."

After the photographer had gone and all of them were left alone again, Graydon dropped the war-face, as he likes to call it and turned around to face them. "Now, you get it why I invited them. What better way to show that the MRA is harmless, when Xavier, the most publicly influential mutant is at my party."

Marie wasn't buying it. She quickly slapped his arms and said, "Oh really? That's what this is all about? You inviting them has nothing to do with fact that Remy showed up last night. Face it Grady, you were worried that I would go back on my decision to leave him-"

"What the hell is a Remy?" asked Logan.

"You're still leaving me?" asked Remy.

"Well I can assure you, you didn't need to whatever the hell you're doing. 'Cause I'll leave him, after we've dealt with everything, as we had decided." She finished with another slap on the arm.

But Graydon decided to return the slap in kind and said, "That's not the feeling I got last night, when you were naked underneath him, about to be banged. So I'm sorry, but Logan is my insurance policy." He too finished with a slap. And that is how the Creed siblings ended up in a slap fight, right in front of the elevator.

"What do you mean you're still leaving me?" asked Remy.

Meanwhile, just a few inches near them. "So Remy is a guy, that you nearly slept with last night?" said Logan.

Remy, who had by now taken out his signature flaming cards, turned towards Logan and said, "Remy is much more than just 'a guy', mon ami. He is her husband."

"Who is Remy?"

"Mon dieu," said Remy, whose eyes had started to glow red now. "I am Remy."

"Then talk like a normal person. Why are you using the third person crap? Wait, you're her husband!" Logan could feel the claws threatening to come out.

The rest of the X-Team could do nothing but stare as two very different, yet unique in their own way, fights were happening in front of them. Fortunately Alex came by and saw the commotion before anyone else did.

"Relax, Logan. Put the Wolverine to sleep. Remy just likes to say that he is married to her, when the truth is they aren't married. Not even in the loosest definition of the word." Then he turned towards the still-slapping-each-other-siblings. "Now both of you stop." He said while trying to pull them away, which only resulted him in getting a few slaps of his own. "I said stop it. The New York Times called you the 'modern aristocracy', so can you please not behave like five year olds, when the elites of America are wining and dining just in the next room." But even when that wasn't enough, he decide it was time to bring out the big guns. "I swear if both of you don't stop, I'll call your mother. She hasn't left yet, you know." And just like the magic words uttered by Ali Baba, the siblings parted.

"Well, sue me for being all in support of Team Logan." said Graydon while straightening his tie. Marie stopped fixing her hair and simply glared at him.

Alex shook his head, as if asking 'why me' and said "I told you it was a bad idea." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wished he could swallow them right back. Because now he was at the receiving end of the infamous Marie glare, which was famous for its predisposition for making balls visibly shrink.

Alex knew he had precisely 10 seconds to save his life, and balls. "I know you are mad at me for not telling you, but you're not exactly a believer in the policy of not killing the messenger. And just so you know, I'm Team Marie, not only because it's the best one but also because it's the only one you get to be in and still live."

Marie let out a huge sigh, in defeat. After all Carol wouldn't appreciate her killing the love of her life. "I am not equipped to handle any of this right now." She said while pointing all around her. "Especially the Neanderthals fighting over who gets to take me in his cave. After I've had real alcohol and not one of those fruity-tutti color of the rainbow cocktails, then I will comment upon tonight's events. Now if all of you will excuse me, I have a birthday party to host." And walked away. But no was fooled, it was the calm before the storm.

"Just a question," spoke Remy, "who is on my team?"

Both Alex and Graydon replied together. "No one."

Graydon then turned towards the X-Men and said, "The party will end in an hour or two. After that we will have the discussion that I'm sure all of you are obviously dying to have. Until then, please enjoy yourselves." His phone started to ring and excused himself.

Alex turned towards Remy and said "Don't you have champagnes to serve." And after Remy flipped him off, they too walked away like the siblings.

"So," said Storm, "she is fake married to the waiter?"

Hank turned towards his fiancé and said, "My love, I think we all have learned in the past weeks that we will only end up running in circles if we try to understand the Rogue."

xXx

Marie was furious.

I think you mean sexually frustrated.

'Shut up, Carol.'

I don't blame you. Remy may be an asshole, but he could always read your body like Braille. But since last night's events were interrupted, not to mention seeing Logan in a tux. Oh my lord, and I thought the man only looked good in leather and denim.

'Ah'm not in the mood to talk about that, Carol.'

Whom are you trying to kid, Marie? I live right in your head. I know exactly what you were thinking, when you saw Tall, Dark and Growly there. And it was how quickly you can rip those layers off him.

'CAROL.'

But before she could elaborate she saw her brother, hanging up on someone on the phone, and briskly walked towards him.

"You are so lucky that I'm not setting loose the six ferals that live in my head on you, for you little stunt."

However she received no reply. In fact her brother looked completely pale with worry. He didn't even notice his sister making threats at him. He simply continued to stare at the phone in his hands. He looked so distraught that Marie forgot all about her anger and asked what was wrong.

"Emma was supposed to arrive here in New York from London this evening. The pilot of her private plane just called me. She never came to airport, she never even left London."

"Perhaps something came up. You know, like Hellfire Club business."

"But then why didn't she call me? She always tells me if there is even the slightest change in her plans. I called her place in Egerton Crescent, she left for the airport at noon, but she never... What if something..."

"Hey, relax. This is the White Queen we are talking about. She can sense any trouble coming her way miles before, literally. And she is tougher than diamonds, again literally. I'm sure something abruptly came up, and Shaw had told her not to say anything." Even when that didn't smoothen the creases in Graydon's forehead. "Tell you what, I'll call Shaw and ask about Emma."

"Will you do that?" She replied in affirmative. "Thank you, Marie- ..I mean Mariana."

She quickly excused herself away to somewhere quiet, where she could talk to the real influential mutant in the world, Sebastian Shaw, the Black King.

She finally entered one of the several guest rooms and dialed the most hated number in her directly. She patiently waited, while she heard ringing on the other side. She then remembered the time difference between here and London. She cursed, as he wasn't going to be happy to have his sleep interrupted. But even she was worried about Emma, so there was no going back.

And suddenly he picked up.

"And what may I have done to deserve such a late night call by the lovely and dangerous Rogue?"

"Down boy. This is about Emma. She was supposed to come back to the States, but we can't seem to get hang of her. Do you know where she is?"

This time when Shaw spoke, he lost his condescending arrogant tone. "Emma is missing?"

"Apparently yes. And now we need to ask ourselves who would be foolish enough to lay their hands on someone so close to you?"

"Only a human."

"Perhaps but a human with resources. Ah'm sure the list is going to be quite extensive. People don't take too well when their companies are so aggressively taken over by you and your little friends at the Club."

"No, they don't. Well I'll see what I can do and if I find out something, I'll call. But before you hand up, Rogue, I have something to tell you."

And the tone was back.

"I mean you shouldn't look down upon us, not when you have accepted a job for us. I was simply ecstatic when you called me a week ago that you are willing to accelerate the rise of Phoenix, and handing her over to us. I remember you had rejected the very same offer six months ago."

"Yes, how fortunate for you that Wade disappeared and I had no choice but to do this in return for your help in finding him and his captor." The words sounded strained because her teeth were grinding against each other.

"And you will have our full support against that man. After you've handed Phoenix over to us, of course."

"Of course. But are you sure that you can control her. Class Five mutants defy laws of physics. She will be unpredictable and dangerous."

"Which is precisely the reason we want her. We will set her loose upon the world. And only then will these puny humans understand that no matter how many laws and acts they pass, mutant will always be supreme. Which reminds me, good work on aggravating the MRA situation. All of us thoroughly enjoyed reading about how a simple Class Two teleporter caused such mayhem in the White House. So much so that we decided we will be moving our operations to America. How befitting, don't you think so? It was originally called the New World, so it makes sense that it will the place of origin for the mutant revolution."

"You're coming here? To the New York base?"

"Yes. That is the reason why I send Emma ahead. To prepare things for us, before she disappeared. But no worries, we'll get her back." He paused for a minute. "You know what I find immensely amusing?"

"And what is that?" she hissed.

"Now, Rogue, you have very beautiful teeth. We wouldn't want you to grind them away, now would we? Unclench your jaw sweetheart. The thing I find amusing is that if you had accepted the job six months ago, not only would you have been a billion dollars richer but also Wade would still be by your side."

"Ah'm afraid that Ah'm not easily amused, Shaw. But you do make a good point. It's almost like someone was keeping an eye on me, and knew that Ah was with the X-Men. And then with much precision orchestrated Wade's capture. Leaving me no choice but to put the metaphorical noose around Dr. Grey's pretty neck, just so that you could help me get Wade back." She took a moment to compose herself and her breathing. She hadn't even noticed that her nails had punctured through the flesh of her other hand. She relaxed and watched her skin heal before continuing. "And Ah don't really care for money. Ah already have too much to spare."

"Of course. Moonlighting as a billionaire's only sister must have its perks. So how is Mr. Creed? And more importantly how are his stock options?"

"You are not to come anywhere near my brother or his companies, Sebastian. 'Cause if you do then god help me-"

"Now Rogue, there is no need to get defensive. It was simply the interest of a businessman towards a highly prosperous and ever-growing company. There is no harm in asking. Don't fear my dear, we will give your brother's companies a wide berth when we come to America, as long he promises to do the same with Emma in the future. I have a soft spot for her and I sometimes allow her much frivolities. But no more. I trust you will pass on the message to him. And when I've found her, I will make sure she gets the message as well. Are we clear?"

"As crystal, sugah."

"Excellent. Now as much I enjoy our scintillating conversations, I have a lot of work ahead of me, so goodnight and goodbye."

And it was a good thing that he hung up as Marie couldn't trust herself not to tell him exactly where he could stick his goodwhatevers at. But as her anger needed some output, she could only throw the phone across the room, where after being thrown with super-strength didn't just shatter but also left a sizeable dent in the wall.

'Great last night was the island and now it is the wall. Is there one thing left in mah brother's life that Ah won't destroy.'

After failing to figure out how she was going to explain to her brother that she failed to find about Emma's whereabouts and why she was leaving dents all over his pristine apartment, she decided to go back. But she need not have bothered, because as soon as she joined the party, she was ambushed by Alex, who looked like he ready to bite her head off.

"I just had a talk with my brother."

"Good for you, Alex. I always tell you that you should at least try to talk to him. Now I need to find my brother."

"And he told me something about his wife. Something very interesting. She has been having sessions with Charles, since her wedding. And ever since then, has been having mood swings. I didn't notice this earlier because at that time I was too worried about you being gone. So will you please tell me why is he messing with her head, when you supposedly told him to do nothing."

Marie' s mouth formed an 'o' shape. "That's nice." And, in an attempt to avoid talking any further, she headed towards the bar to get herself a drink. Something preferably that burns while going down. When she ran into Victor.

"Mariana, I need to talk to-" But she ignored Alex and starting talking to the feral, who was the closest thing she had to a step-father.

"Victor, aren't you supposed to be upstairs with Kurt."

"The elf is nearly 40 years old. I think he can handle himself without needing a babysitter. Certainly not me."

Again Alex tried to talk to her, when both Logan and Remy came towards her and together said, "We need to talk."

"Not now." she replied.

"Why is Jimmy here? And why does Gumbo and him want to talk to- ... Oh hell. You fucked my brother."

"Well, you fucked my mother. Hell with your track record you might have even fucked Gandhi's mother. You have no right to judge me."

Logan was very confused and asked. "Now who the hell is this Jimmy? And are you this bastard's brother, 'cause you both deserve each other." The last part was directed at Remy, who just shook his head.

Alex had enough and suddenly shouted. "What did you tell Xavier to do with Jean?"

"What is Professor trying to do with me?" said Jean, who along with her husband just walked up to the four of them.

Marie desperately wanted to teleport out of there and would have if they weren't still surrounded by guests. Why the hell haven't they left yet?

'There is not an alcohol strong enough for all of this.' she thought while looking around her at all the people, who had surrounded her.

"Is someone going to answer me? What do you guys think the Professor is doing to me?" asked Jean.

Marie couldn't run anymore. "Nothing Jean. It's just that I know why you have been having mood swings lately."

Jean looked scandalized. "That's impossible. I only found out today. I haven't even told Scott yet."

Now it was Scott's turn to look confused. "Told me what?"

Jean faced her husband and was smiling. "You know how last week at the museum you said that I've changed. Well, honey I'm going to continue to change. It's the reason for my mood swings and more importantly why I refused to go to this morning's mission with Ro." Jean had a hard time spitting it out, as she was too busy blushing and giggling.

Marie soon accessed the advanced senses of the ferals in her head and tried to find out what was going on. She took a sniff and understood everything.

"You're pregnant!" she exclaimed.

"You're pregnant?" asked Scott. Even though the moment was ruined for the couple, but they didn't care and soon were hugging and practically jumping with joy.

Marie stepped forward and hugged Jean. "Congrats to both of you. You both will make excellent parents. I can positively see that you guys will make a beautiful family. And don't worry about that Professor remark Jean, Alex just can't handle premium liquor."

"Thanks Mari-iiiana." said Jean.

Then Marie grabbed Alex and dragged him away. After they were away, not that anyone noticed as everyone was busy gushing over the pregnant newlyweds.

"Now, Alex sugah. Did you really think that I didn't tell Chuck how dangerous it would be to interfere with Jean's mental blocks or did you think that a sanctimonious bastards like Chuck would purposefully ignore my warnings and mess with her blocks just for the hell of it?"

Alex was looking quite embarrassed. And apologized.

"It's okay. And congrats."

"For what?"

"For becoming an uncle."

"Yeah. Perhaps now Scott and I can get over our differences. But after we take care of Stryker. Don't want him to come near my niece or nephew. I have to admit I like kids." He walked towards his brother and hugged him.

He always wanted children. He told me that he wanted at least five. I nearly fainted then and there. And now I would do anything to have a family with him. Marie, that child will be Alex's family as well. You can't listen to Shaw anymore.

Marie quickly ran up the stairs towards her room and locked the door. She grabbed a pillow off the bed and sat on the floor and stated to scream into it, as she didn't want anyone to know how angry, frustrated and hopeless she was feeling. After calming down a little, yet not feeling any better, she went to that place in her mind, where she put the people in lockdown. The one she was looking for usually wasn't kept here, but recently it had become too difficult for her to listen to him talk

Hey, Marie-Berry

'Hey, Wade-Spade...She wasn't supposed to be pregnant.'

That's why it's called miracle of life. It's beautiful because it's uncertain.

'This changes everything.'

Of course it does. It was one thing when it was just a woman. But now an innocent child is involved and Jean is no longer just a women. She is a mother. And if you go ahead with your plan, you will be separating a mother from her child and destroying a family. And you know how painful that is, don't you Roguey?

'No, Ah can't do it. But if Ah don't do it, then you will die. We aren't powerful enough to fight all of them.'

That's where you wrong. You are stronger than all of us and all of them. Why do think they are so interested in you? You have been suspecting it recently, haven't you? You've had an hunch, since you absorbed Jean and Phoenix.

'That's impossible. It can't be. It just can't.'

But it is. You are also a Class Five mutant. That's why my captor wants you, why he has always wanted you. So now you see that it is them who should be feeling helpless, hugging their pillows and becoming a crying heap, not you.

'But it's not just about strength. One wrong move and Ah will lose you.'

Of course it isn't just about strength. If that was all it needed then war would actually work. What did I teach you? How do win a war?

'You don't win the war by getting the upper hand over your enemies.

Because you win the war by making your enemies think that they have the upper hand over you. You need to make Shaw think that you truly have become a puppet of his.

'That's simple. Shaw's arrogance has no match.'

Fantastic, use that. Let that arrogance become his downfall.

'But what do Ah do about Jean? The Phoenix has probably already started taking over. How do Ah stop her?'

She was silent for a while, simply staring at the wall. Then she abruptly stood up and turned around as if to face Wade. That's why she intentionally kept him away since his capture. Talking to him made her feel that he was still here. But she overcame her momentarily depression, as she was too excited by her plans.

'Ah figured it all out. Ah know how Ah can save everything and everyone.'

Good then let's go.

And if Graydon had entered the room just 15 seconds earlier then he would have not missed his sister. But when he entered the room, all he could see was the faint trail of blue smoke.