Disclaimer: The X-Men and Highlander characters not Mine! Don't sue, only get pocket lint. Catherine is my only original character for now. The story is mine.
Of Mutants and Immortals
By Animefreek
**denote thoughts
Chapter Nineteen
Over the next few weeks things went on as usual for the highlanders and the X-Men. The occasional protest turned ugly and the usual challenge from the stray immortal that happened to cross paths with them. Methos had gone underground and after Richie told them the events in Salem Center Catherine was miserable. Conner and Duncan had put her under house arrest much to the protest of Remy and Amanda. The others thought it was for her own good. Remy and Amanda tried to cheer her up but for someone with such a free and fighting spirit this was the ultimate of torture.
"Could be worse chere, ya could be banned from going outside." Remy said trying to be positive about the situation. He'd had one ruccus arguement with the Highlanders and Scott about this drastic measure earlier. Professor Xavier had to mentally separate them. He understood all too well what his little sister was going through. Even if she gave it up and denied it, she would always be a thief and thieves needed to be free and make thier own rules. The "soldier boys" could never really understand that. "Hey chere, why don ya and me sneak out tonight. We'll hav a great time." Remy said smiling with a gleam in his eye. "Now thats definatly more my style." Catherine said as the gleam in her eyes came back. She definately needed a night out on the town. "Bon, chere. Get on ya best club outfit and I'll get Rogue and Bobby. Meet cha in the back o da garage, I trust the security system won't be a problem." Remy said smiling. "Remy, please I haven't been couped up here that long. I'll see you in an hour." Catherine said with wicked smile on her face. Remy had definately fallen in love with this little thief and would do anything to see her smile even if it meant a royal chewing out by their illustrious leader and the immortals.
Catherine decided to put on a variation of her uniform. The leather outfit was to die for. She had on a full body catsuite with a plunging neckline that was accentuated by a long silver zipper. Around her neck was a matching leather choker with a solitary diamond in the center, also she wore a black leather bomber jacket,and she had her usual thigh high leather boots except these had high heels and silver buckles on the sides. Gambit wanted her to change her clothes while Rogue was thinking of letting her update her wardrobe. Bobby was just stunned and happy. Dressed that way she could get into any club, she definately looked years older. He was worried about getting looks when he showed up with the much younger woman, now he was worried that he'd have to peel the guys away from her.
"Catherine how'd ya get past the security system?" Rogue asked. Catherine smiled and said, "I'll never tell.", doing her best impression of her mother. Remy smiled. "So big bro where we headed?" Catherine was beaming. "Well I thought we go to de Silver Eclipse tonight, chere." Remy boasted. The Silver Eclipse was the most exclusive nightclub in the area, all the biggest names from New York and beyond stopped in. Remy knew that a night of hobknobbing and dancing was just what the bored teenager needed. After all Amanda did raise her to be a socialite or at least to blend in.
Catherine was in awe of the place, she had never realized that Salem Center could have a place like that. The intire interior of the club was in silver and kind of pale blue. (Very Millenium) The tables were mostly booths that opened towards the dance floor which was polished marble with strobe lights. Catherine felt like she was back in Paris at her mother's bar for a second. She and the others took a booth that was close to the bar and the dance floor. Catherine was having the best time she'd had in months. Everything was great,except for one thing, she'd never gotten Bobby on the dance floor. She'd danced with Remy and even with Rogue and Remy together but Bobby wouldn't budge. **Well if Mr. Drake won't get out here on his own I guess I'll have to go to extreme measures.** Catherine strolled up to the DJ, excentuating every step she took with a swing of her hips. This caused a lot of heads to turn. After several minutes sweat talking the DJ she was ready.
The owner of the nightclub took his place at center stage and silenced the rowdy clubbers. "Ladies and Gentlemen, We have a very special guest tonight all the way from Paris by way of Chicago, lets give her a big hand, Miss Catherine." The clubbers roared as the stage curtain opened and the lights went dim. There in the spotlight was Catherine. Her leather jacket was gone and to the surprise of everyone the back of her catsuit was nothing more than a exposed hole from the waist up.
As the crowd got over the initial shock the music started to play and Catherine started to sway to the rythem. Cahterine's voice slowly began to rise with the volume. Her singing voice is smooth yet husky at the same time. Then the chorus began.
##I had to escape the city it was sticky and cruel##
##I knew I should have called you first but I was dying to get to you##
##I was dreaming while I drove the long straight road of your arms open wide##
##This fever that I had was burning me up inside##
##I drove all night to get to you.##
Bobby and the crowd were entralled as Catherine sang her rendition of "I Drove all Night" by Cyndi Lauper. Catherine definately knew how to work a crowd she had every guy in the place stunned into a grinning silence, especially Bobby. Bobby's smile soon turned into a frown when Catherine started to with some other guy out on the floor. "Well mon ami ya shoulda danced with the femme." Remy said laughing. Bobby stood up and stalked onto the dance floor.
Catherine was singing the chorus when Bobby grabbed her arm and and started dancing with her. This was the first time she'd seen Bobby's eyes so intense. All she could think while singing was **WoW**. **Wow Bobby can move, and I thought that he couldn't dance. Hah, all he needed was a little motivation. I'll have to remember this for later.** Catherine thought. Rouge and Remy just watched from their table at the spectacle on the dance floor. Catherine's song had long since faded and been replaced by "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder. The two slowly came together moving in time with the music.
"They're really in love Remy. They make a very int'resting couple." Rogue said leaning on Remy's shoulder. "Not as int'resting as us chere, but I hope it works out for the two of them. My little sis deserves some happiness." Remy said with a sad note to his voice. Remy looked down at Rogue with a grin. "So chere what do you tink about you and me go on a vacation afta this whole mess over wit? Remy been tinking bout Paris, give him a chance to relax and get ta know his momma bit better." Remy said. "Are ya asking me, to go with ya Remy?" Rogue asked. "Chere if I wasn't Remy would have never brought it up." Remy said with a grin. "Then I accept." Rouge said with a hug and a snuggle against Remy's chest.
Catherine was watching her brother and Rogue while dancing with Bobby. Her heart went out to the couple, from what she could get out of Remy things between them had been rocky at best. "I hope things work out for them Bobby. I kind of like having a brother and maybe someday a sister-in-law who can beat the living crap out of most of the people on the planet." Catherine said with a sigh. "You never cease to amaze me love, a million and one things are going on in your life and you have to worry about people you only just met." Bobby said in a whisper. "Well I guess its just the Highlander in me." Catherine said with a giggle. "Please don't bring your father on our dates. Its hard enough to escape his stories in the mansion. I've heard all the war stories I care to." Bobby said with a deep sigh. "Bobby he only does that because he knows it annoys you and he knows that if you kill him I'll be upset." Catherine said with a smile. They both laughed and kept dancing.
Meanwhile on the upperlevel of the nightclub two familiar figures stood watching the pre-immortal and heroes. "How did you know that they'd show up here?" The shorter figure said to the taller one. "Its merely a matter of understanding your prey, she couldn't stay locked up for long and the cajun's respect for authority is next to none. The temptation for the duo simply became to much for them to take. Plus the tastes of the mother and daughter don't vary much, this place is close enough to the mansion to allow them to get back in time enough not to be missed and it is somewhat trendy. Mother and daughter are nothing if not trendy." The taller man said. "Isn't it about time you got into position, after all I want her disappearence to be a smooth one." The shorter man knodded to the taller man and proceeded to the dance floor.
--------ON The Dance Floor-------------------------------
"Hey can I cut in or is she taken for the rest of the night?" Richie said winking at Catherine. Before Bobby could say a word Richie had already cut in and was heading toward the other end of the floor with Catherine. "Life in Mono" started playing in the background as Catherine shot a very annoyed Bobby a wide grin and signaled him to go sit for a while. Richie and Catherine danced gracefully through the crowd then Catherine noticed something was off. Richie wasn't moving like himself at all. She tried to stop her outward responses but it was too late, her shoulders had tensed and her movements had become all too practiced. **Somethings wrong with Richie and I'm afraid to look into his eyes. Okay girl one of two things could happen here:
1) He could be under the control of that pressence that you sensed in Methos.
2) Richie your best friend and student has just betrayed you.
Okay girl here comes the moment of truth, look into his eyes and let your powers loose. I hope its the first choice.**
Catherine thought as she danced. She didn't notice that she was now dancing in a corner with Richie or that she was out of ear shot and sight of the others. Right then and there she looked into Richie's eyes. "Nice song for a betrayal isn't it." Catherine said as the venom in her voice creeped into her eyes. Richie quickly shoved her against the wall and bruised her lips with a quick kiss. "Why couldn't you love me?" Richie whispered into the shocked girl's ear before another figure quickly covered Catherine's mouth and nose with a damp cloth.
Catherine could see what was coming in Richie's eyes and just before she blacked out she was able to let out a telepathic scream to all the X-Men and immortals. Xavier sat up in his bed and telepathically called out to Catherine and heard nothing more. Quickly he scanned the area where Catherine's thoughts had originated and definately found something he wish he hadn't, the Shadow King. Quickly Xavier sent a message to Jean to assembly the team and immortals.
At the same time in the club Bobby, Rogue, and Remy started making their way through the sea of club goers. Catherine was nowhere in sight and all three were starting to get a sinking feeling in the pits of their stomachs. Then came the scream. It jarred the trio with a force that rivaled Xavier. They split up immediately Rogue headed toward the front of the building, while Remy went to check out the alley and Bobby went to check the far end of the club.
**Oh God what have I done? He's going to kill her. All this because I was hurt and Jealous. NO. I was just scared. Scared of her and the newness of what she was and of the powers. What have I done?** Richie thought as Mystique carried the now unconcious Catherine out a side door. **You did what you had to do Richie. She's too powerful, she'll destroy us all.** A voice that sounded like Methos said in his head. **There's no turning back now you've done the unspeakable as far as the Highlanders and Amanda are concerned. They won't forgive you even when they find out you were right.** "Methos" said inside of Richie's mind.
Meanwhile Remy had just rushed into the alley in time enough to see an unmarked black van speed off into the night. "Damn!" He cursed into the night air. Quickly he tapped the communicator on the lapel of his duster, to his surprise Xavier was already on the line and had ordered them to report back to the mansion immediately. Remy really didn't want to go back and face the others, but right then he needed them to find his little sister.
"What possessed you to disobey a direct order? She was to stay under constant watch within the mansion grounds!" Scott barked. Remy knew his excuse was a sorry one but they would have to understand. Or did they. After voicing his excuse Scott was about to let loose again when Conner stepped in. "Let him be. The girl would have left on her own sooner or later anyway, and as for blame we can all share in that easily. We spent so much time trying to protect her that we forgot what she'll become one day. She may be the only one who can fight this battle if my suspicions are correct." Conner said calmly. Duncan and Amanda knodded somberly. They were taking it amazingly well considering that this was their child.
"My friend Conner your suspicisions are correct." The professor chimed in. "We're not dealing with just a mad immortal here, there is another intity inhabiting him." The others stared at the professor. "Professor who or what is it?" Scott asked. The professor took a deep breath and sighed. "The Shadow King." The X-Men were in utter shock, especially Storm. "How can this be?! You banished the shadow King to the astral plane years ago." Storm said in an uncharacteristically emotional voice. "I don't know I was hoping one of our immortal friends could help to solve that riddle." The professor said. "Perhaps if we could pinpoint exactly when and where the Shadow King pocessed Methos we could find out where he has taken her." Xavier said.
"How's that Charles?" Duncan asked. "That place is where the rip in the astral plane occured and will be where the Shadow King is most powerful. If my guess is right, it may be the only place he could possibly destroy her now. Catherine has become, shall we say much stronger, as of late." Xavier said with a knowing glace at the immortals and Remy. The rest of the team was in the dark. "I suppose since I was there I should explain." Amanda said with a sigh. She told the whole story of what happened that day at Cassandra's estate, to say the least the emotions of the group went from amazement to disbelief.
"Duncan you've known Methos the longest out of all of us, do you think you can pinpoint the change in his behavior?" The professor said interrupting the barrage of questions that was about to come. This was not the time for questions, at least not those. "Know that I think back on it I think I can." Duncan said somewhat confidently.
Meanwhile Catherine was waking up from her drug induced sleep. Pain shout through her head as she tried to sit up and was abruptly pushed back down. Catherine saw the last two people she wanted to at that moment. Methos and Mystique. The scar across Mystique's left cheek was very prominent now and the evil grin that flashed across her face was less than reassuring to the sixteen year old. "Well well sleeping beauty has awakened. Can I get you anything, a drink perhaps? After all a girl should be comfortable on her last few days on earth." Mystique chirped. Catherine grimmaced at the comment and then smirked. "How's the face shapeshifter? Scarring is all the latest rage these days." Catherine smiled at her quick wit. Unfortunately this earned her a hard slap to the face. "You do like to tempt fate don't you dear, if you weren't prophecised to destroy me I'm sure we would have been the best of friends." Methos said grinning.
"Don't bet on it. Maybe I could have been friends with the real Methos, but never you." Catherine said in a cold monotone voice as she stared at the creature behind Methos' eyes. "So you're not as naive as I thought you were. I suppose you're not. You couldn't be with as much trouble as you've been to me lately. Trying to contact Methos and break down the barriers that I have around him. You really are a nuisance." Methos said mockingly. "I'm not a nuisance to you, I'm a threat otherwise I wouldn't be tied up in a van would I. You know if I get half a chance I'll find a way to destroy you or at least send you back to where you came from." Catherine's voice was as cold as ice now and 'Methos' couldn't help but outwardly flinch. "You won't get a chance to my dear, once we reach our final destination and I properly prepare you're going to die and I'll have every precious ounce of power and knowledge in that worthless body of yours." 'Methos' smiled. "Mystique my dear drug her for the rest of the trip, I don't want to hear her mouth." 'Methos' ordered.
"I think I know where they're headed." Joe said. Up until now Joe was silent but he thought he could help the situation now. "Methos started acting strangely after the battle with his former horsemen buddies maybe thats where Methos was possesed."
"I was thinking along the same lines Joe. He never was the same after that. I chalked it up to all the bad memories and Cassandra's hatred of him. A part of him did love her very much at least then." Duncan commented. "If my memory serves me right Adam, methos' alterego, started issuing more information about Methos shortly after that to the Watcher council. I remember at the time it didn't seem like him at all, I mean giving up all that information he's usually very reserved about handing out information about his past lives." Joe added.
"Where exactly did this incident happen? I could use Cerebro to check for any anamolies in the area. The Shadow King may be powerful but he can't cover up a rip in the astral plane." Xavier interjected. "Just outside of Paris. It was an abandoned metal factory about twenty miles west of the city." Duncan said. The Professor donned the Cerebro helmet and zeroed in on the area. Sure enough there was the rip. The apparent cause of the rip must have been the residual effect of both of those powerful quickenings at the same time. To top it all off Joe tapped into Adam's financial holdings and found that he owned the property that the factory was on.
"Scott. Jean and I will be heading this mission our TK and TP powers will be of more use in the field. We'll be heading in with Duncan, Amanda, Conner, Wolverine, and Iceman. Wolverine and Iceman should be able to handle any hired men. Remy and Rogue will cover the back of the factory and secure an appropriate escape route. While Hank and Storm will be our eyes when we enter the factory and ready the portable medlab if injuries occur. Scott I'll need you to coordinate between all of us." Xavier ordered. "Yes sir. Okay you heard the professor we have to move out now." Everyone moved toward the Blackbird hanger,except for Joe he had to make sure that no watchers would be in the area. All any of them needed was civilians getting in the way.
Chapter Twenty
Catherine woke up again, only this time she found herself in what seemed to be a huge steel cage. Her surroundings seemed familiar but the pain in her head kept her from focusing on anything in particular. **Ack. When I get out of this place, some people are gonna pay big time! Especially Mystique.** Catherine thought as her mind and eyes slowly focused on her surroundings and the fact that she was wearing some sort of collar around her neck. **This place seems familiar, shit!, I'm in the factory where all this stuff started.** Catherine thought as she focused on Cassandra's memories. The prophecy that Cassandra spoke and her father's words spun in her head. Everything started to put itself together in her mind. The phophecy wasn't meant for the real Methos at all it was meant for... The Shadow King. **Damn what have I gotten myself into? According to the X-Men files this guy is supposed to be trapped in the astral plane. How'd he get out?** Catherine mused in her cage. **OH MY God! Cassandra you weren't talking to Methos at all were you. You knew all a long this had to happen, that your end was my beginning. The Shadow King must have escaped the astral plain when both Methos and Dad had those huge quickenings. A disturbance with that great of an amount of energy could certainly cause a glitch or two in the wrong places.** Catherine thought to herself as she started to fully take in her surroundings. She noted that the scientist side of Amanda was starting show in her persona as well.
Richie stood watching the young woman who had ignored his affections from the shadows. **Have I done the right thing?** He asked himself as he turned and started walking towards 'Methos'.
The flight to Paris in the blackbird was a bit long a bit too long for the immortals. There long lives had not blessed them with immeasureable patience and in Amanda's case it seemed to lesson it even more. Remy wanted to ring Richie's immortal neck for betraying them to the shadow king. Bobby on the other hand wanted to kill him. The others just wanted to get her back. Conner had the sneaking suspicion that none of the other immortals would be truly needed in this battle but rather afterwards. He had the feeling that Catherine would have a lot to deal with and a lot of decisions to make.
Meanwhile Catherine was getting more and more pissed by the second especially since she noticed that she was wearing a power inhibiting collar around her neck. **Great, I can't use my TP or TK to get out of this mess. I guess I'm back to square one until I can get this thing off and great the one night you don't bring so much as a lock pick with you. You're a genius Catherine. Mom would dig into me bad if she knew. Hell she probably already knows. I wonder if I can use my magic still, with this collar around my neck?** Catherine thought as she sat in the center of the cage.
Just then Richie and 'Methos' dressed in black walked out of the shadows. As if on instict Catherine jumped into a battle stance and prepared herself mentally for a fight. The Highlanders and Wolverine would be proud of the way she hid her fear as the two men walked up to her prison. 'Methos' was about to say something when Catherine beat him to the punch. "So come to gloat or try and finish the job 'Shadow King'?" Catherine spat. Her voice was pure venom. It made Richie visibly shudder. He never thought Catherine could sound so cold. Catherine shot Richie a look that just oozed the word traitor.
The shadow king smiled and stepped up to her cage with a sarcastic grin and clapped his hands together in applause at Catherine. "So you finally put two and two together my dear good for you. Too bad you didn't think not to trust those closest to you. You might have bought youself a little time." He was so confident that it made Catherine want to break every bone in his smiling face. "When I get out this cage, you'll be smiling out of the other side of 'Methos' face. I may not have my mutant powers but I can still kick your sorry butt." Catherine said. "My dear when you get out of that cage you'll die and then I'll have all your powers and knowledge and the other immortals of the world will be easy pickings. I'll rule this world yet." 'Methos' said.
Richie stood in the background listening. **What did she mean by Methos' face? Rule the world?** Then he was stirred from his musings. "Richie you truly are gullable. That's not even the real Methos." Catherine said jerking a finger toward Methos. "You let him turn you against me, let him use your fear and doubt to cloud what you know is right." Catherine said with disgust directed towards 'Methos'. Richie just stood there silently with a hundred thoughts going through his mind. He'd made one of the biggest mistakes of his life and depending on how mad the others where at him it might be the last mistake he ever gets to make. **I've got to do something. But what?** Before Richie could even take a step in the direction of the cage a TK force hurled him across the factory empaling him on through the heart as he landed on a heap of scrap metal. Catherine stifled a scream as a look of horror crossed her face.
"Now now Mr. Ryan, no changing your mind now. You should have thought about the consequences of your actions before switching sides." The shadow king said. Richie's last thoughts before blacking out were a prayer that Catherine would forgive him. When Catherine realized why the Shadow King attacked Richie she forgave him. "I'll let you enjoy your last few hours on earth in peace my dear. I'll see you at sunset." The shadow king said with a grin plastered across Methos' sharp features. "Mystique guard our guest until then, we wouldn't want her trying to escape." Mystique strolled in out of a shadowy corner and knodded to the man as he walked away.
Okay stopping right here. As always R&R. This is by far not the only Catherine story I have. Theres more x-over to come. I don't own the songs! Think Cali and Scooby gang! Thanks.
Of Mutants and Immortals
By Animefreek
**denote thoughts
Chapter Nineteen
Over the next few weeks things went on as usual for the highlanders and the X-Men. The occasional protest turned ugly and the usual challenge from the stray immortal that happened to cross paths with them. Methos had gone underground and after Richie told them the events in Salem Center Catherine was miserable. Conner and Duncan had put her under house arrest much to the protest of Remy and Amanda. The others thought it was for her own good. Remy and Amanda tried to cheer her up but for someone with such a free and fighting spirit this was the ultimate of torture.
"Could be worse chere, ya could be banned from going outside." Remy said trying to be positive about the situation. He'd had one ruccus arguement with the Highlanders and Scott about this drastic measure earlier. Professor Xavier had to mentally separate them. He understood all too well what his little sister was going through. Even if she gave it up and denied it, she would always be a thief and thieves needed to be free and make thier own rules. The "soldier boys" could never really understand that. "Hey chere, why don ya and me sneak out tonight. We'll hav a great time." Remy said smiling with a gleam in his eye. "Now thats definatly more my style." Catherine said as the gleam in her eyes came back. She definately needed a night out on the town. "Bon, chere. Get on ya best club outfit and I'll get Rogue and Bobby. Meet cha in the back o da garage, I trust the security system won't be a problem." Remy said smiling. "Remy, please I haven't been couped up here that long. I'll see you in an hour." Catherine said with wicked smile on her face. Remy had definately fallen in love with this little thief and would do anything to see her smile even if it meant a royal chewing out by their illustrious leader and the immortals.
Catherine decided to put on a variation of her uniform. The leather outfit was to die for. She had on a full body catsuite with a plunging neckline that was accentuated by a long silver zipper. Around her neck was a matching leather choker with a solitary diamond in the center, also she wore a black leather bomber jacket,and she had her usual thigh high leather boots except these had high heels and silver buckles on the sides. Gambit wanted her to change her clothes while Rogue was thinking of letting her update her wardrobe. Bobby was just stunned and happy. Dressed that way she could get into any club, she definately looked years older. He was worried about getting looks when he showed up with the much younger woman, now he was worried that he'd have to peel the guys away from her.
"Catherine how'd ya get past the security system?" Rogue asked. Catherine smiled and said, "I'll never tell.", doing her best impression of her mother. Remy smiled. "So big bro where we headed?" Catherine was beaming. "Well I thought we go to de Silver Eclipse tonight, chere." Remy boasted. The Silver Eclipse was the most exclusive nightclub in the area, all the biggest names from New York and beyond stopped in. Remy knew that a night of hobknobbing and dancing was just what the bored teenager needed. After all Amanda did raise her to be a socialite or at least to blend in.
Catherine was in awe of the place, she had never realized that Salem Center could have a place like that. The intire interior of the club was in silver and kind of pale blue. (Very Millenium) The tables were mostly booths that opened towards the dance floor which was polished marble with strobe lights. Catherine felt like she was back in Paris at her mother's bar for a second. She and the others took a booth that was close to the bar and the dance floor. Catherine was having the best time she'd had in months. Everything was great,except for one thing, she'd never gotten Bobby on the dance floor. She'd danced with Remy and even with Rogue and Remy together but Bobby wouldn't budge. **Well if Mr. Drake won't get out here on his own I guess I'll have to go to extreme measures.** Catherine strolled up to the DJ, excentuating every step she took with a swing of her hips. This caused a lot of heads to turn. After several minutes sweat talking the DJ she was ready.
The owner of the nightclub took his place at center stage and silenced the rowdy clubbers. "Ladies and Gentlemen, We have a very special guest tonight all the way from Paris by way of Chicago, lets give her a big hand, Miss Catherine." The clubbers roared as the stage curtain opened and the lights went dim. There in the spotlight was Catherine. Her leather jacket was gone and to the surprise of everyone the back of her catsuit was nothing more than a exposed hole from the waist up.
As the crowd got over the initial shock the music started to play and Catherine started to sway to the rythem. Cahterine's voice slowly began to rise with the volume. Her singing voice is smooth yet husky at the same time. Then the chorus began.
##I had to escape the city it was sticky and cruel##
##I knew I should have called you first but I was dying to get to you##
##I was dreaming while I drove the long straight road of your arms open wide##
##This fever that I had was burning me up inside##
##I drove all night to get to you.##
Bobby and the crowd were entralled as Catherine sang her rendition of "I Drove all Night" by Cyndi Lauper. Catherine definately knew how to work a crowd she had every guy in the place stunned into a grinning silence, especially Bobby. Bobby's smile soon turned into a frown when Catherine started to with some other guy out on the floor. "Well mon ami ya shoulda danced with the femme." Remy said laughing. Bobby stood up and stalked onto the dance floor.
Catherine was singing the chorus when Bobby grabbed her arm and and started dancing with her. This was the first time she'd seen Bobby's eyes so intense. All she could think while singing was **WoW**. **Wow Bobby can move, and I thought that he couldn't dance. Hah, all he needed was a little motivation. I'll have to remember this for later.** Catherine thought. Rouge and Remy just watched from their table at the spectacle on the dance floor. Catherine's song had long since faded and been replaced by "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder. The two slowly came together moving in time with the music.
"They're really in love Remy. They make a very int'resting couple." Rogue said leaning on Remy's shoulder. "Not as int'resting as us chere, but I hope it works out for the two of them. My little sis deserves some happiness." Remy said with a sad note to his voice. Remy looked down at Rogue with a grin. "So chere what do you tink about you and me go on a vacation afta this whole mess over wit? Remy been tinking bout Paris, give him a chance to relax and get ta know his momma bit better." Remy said. "Are ya asking me, to go with ya Remy?" Rogue asked. "Chere if I wasn't Remy would have never brought it up." Remy said with a grin. "Then I accept." Rouge said with a hug and a snuggle against Remy's chest.
Catherine was watching her brother and Rogue while dancing with Bobby. Her heart went out to the couple, from what she could get out of Remy things between them had been rocky at best. "I hope things work out for them Bobby. I kind of like having a brother and maybe someday a sister-in-law who can beat the living crap out of most of the people on the planet." Catherine said with a sigh. "You never cease to amaze me love, a million and one things are going on in your life and you have to worry about people you only just met." Bobby said in a whisper. "Well I guess its just the Highlander in me." Catherine said with a giggle. "Please don't bring your father on our dates. Its hard enough to escape his stories in the mansion. I've heard all the war stories I care to." Bobby said with a deep sigh. "Bobby he only does that because he knows it annoys you and he knows that if you kill him I'll be upset." Catherine said with a smile. They both laughed and kept dancing.
Meanwhile on the upperlevel of the nightclub two familiar figures stood watching the pre-immortal and heroes. "How did you know that they'd show up here?" The shorter figure said to the taller one. "Its merely a matter of understanding your prey, she couldn't stay locked up for long and the cajun's respect for authority is next to none. The temptation for the duo simply became to much for them to take. Plus the tastes of the mother and daughter don't vary much, this place is close enough to the mansion to allow them to get back in time enough not to be missed and it is somewhat trendy. Mother and daughter are nothing if not trendy." The taller man said. "Isn't it about time you got into position, after all I want her disappearence to be a smooth one." The shorter man knodded to the taller man and proceeded to the dance floor.
--------ON The Dance Floor-------------------------------
"Hey can I cut in or is she taken for the rest of the night?" Richie said winking at Catherine. Before Bobby could say a word Richie had already cut in and was heading toward the other end of the floor with Catherine. "Life in Mono" started playing in the background as Catherine shot a very annoyed Bobby a wide grin and signaled him to go sit for a while. Richie and Catherine danced gracefully through the crowd then Catherine noticed something was off. Richie wasn't moving like himself at all. She tried to stop her outward responses but it was too late, her shoulders had tensed and her movements had become all too practiced. **Somethings wrong with Richie and I'm afraid to look into his eyes. Okay girl one of two things could happen here:
1) He could be under the control of that pressence that you sensed in Methos.
2) Richie your best friend and student has just betrayed you.
Okay girl here comes the moment of truth, look into his eyes and let your powers loose. I hope its the first choice.**
Catherine thought as she danced. She didn't notice that she was now dancing in a corner with Richie or that she was out of ear shot and sight of the others. Right then and there she looked into Richie's eyes. "Nice song for a betrayal isn't it." Catherine said as the venom in her voice creeped into her eyes. Richie quickly shoved her against the wall and bruised her lips with a quick kiss. "Why couldn't you love me?" Richie whispered into the shocked girl's ear before another figure quickly covered Catherine's mouth and nose with a damp cloth.
Catherine could see what was coming in Richie's eyes and just before she blacked out she was able to let out a telepathic scream to all the X-Men and immortals. Xavier sat up in his bed and telepathically called out to Catherine and heard nothing more. Quickly he scanned the area where Catherine's thoughts had originated and definately found something he wish he hadn't, the Shadow King. Quickly Xavier sent a message to Jean to assembly the team and immortals.
At the same time in the club Bobby, Rogue, and Remy started making their way through the sea of club goers. Catherine was nowhere in sight and all three were starting to get a sinking feeling in the pits of their stomachs. Then came the scream. It jarred the trio with a force that rivaled Xavier. They split up immediately Rogue headed toward the front of the building, while Remy went to check out the alley and Bobby went to check the far end of the club.
**Oh God what have I done? He's going to kill her. All this because I was hurt and Jealous. NO. I was just scared. Scared of her and the newness of what she was and of the powers. What have I done?** Richie thought as Mystique carried the now unconcious Catherine out a side door. **You did what you had to do Richie. She's too powerful, she'll destroy us all.** A voice that sounded like Methos said in his head. **There's no turning back now you've done the unspeakable as far as the Highlanders and Amanda are concerned. They won't forgive you even when they find out you were right.** "Methos" said inside of Richie's mind.
Meanwhile Remy had just rushed into the alley in time enough to see an unmarked black van speed off into the night. "Damn!" He cursed into the night air. Quickly he tapped the communicator on the lapel of his duster, to his surprise Xavier was already on the line and had ordered them to report back to the mansion immediately. Remy really didn't want to go back and face the others, but right then he needed them to find his little sister.
"What possessed you to disobey a direct order? She was to stay under constant watch within the mansion grounds!" Scott barked. Remy knew his excuse was a sorry one but they would have to understand. Or did they. After voicing his excuse Scott was about to let loose again when Conner stepped in. "Let him be. The girl would have left on her own sooner or later anyway, and as for blame we can all share in that easily. We spent so much time trying to protect her that we forgot what she'll become one day. She may be the only one who can fight this battle if my suspicions are correct." Conner said calmly. Duncan and Amanda knodded somberly. They were taking it amazingly well considering that this was their child.
"My friend Conner your suspicisions are correct." The professor chimed in. "We're not dealing with just a mad immortal here, there is another intity inhabiting him." The others stared at the professor. "Professor who or what is it?" Scott asked. The professor took a deep breath and sighed. "The Shadow King." The X-Men were in utter shock, especially Storm. "How can this be?! You banished the shadow King to the astral plane years ago." Storm said in an uncharacteristically emotional voice. "I don't know I was hoping one of our immortal friends could help to solve that riddle." The professor said. "Perhaps if we could pinpoint exactly when and where the Shadow King pocessed Methos we could find out where he has taken her." Xavier said.
"How's that Charles?" Duncan asked. "That place is where the rip in the astral plane occured and will be where the Shadow King is most powerful. If my guess is right, it may be the only place he could possibly destroy her now. Catherine has become, shall we say much stronger, as of late." Xavier said with a knowing glace at the immortals and Remy. The rest of the team was in the dark. "I suppose since I was there I should explain." Amanda said with a sigh. She told the whole story of what happened that day at Cassandra's estate, to say the least the emotions of the group went from amazement to disbelief.
"Duncan you've known Methos the longest out of all of us, do you think you can pinpoint the change in his behavior?" The professor said interrupting the barrage of questions that was about to come. This was not the time for questions, at least not those. "Know that I think back on it I think I can." Duncan said somewhat confidently.
Meanwhile Catherine was waking up from her drug induced sleep. Pain shout through her head as she tried to sit up and was abruptly pushed back down. Catherine saw the last two people she wanted to at that moment. Methos and Mystique. The scar across Mystique's left cheek was very prominent now and the evil grin that flashed across her face was less than reassuring to the sixteen year old. "Well well sleeping beauty has awakened. Can I get you anything, a drink perhaps? After all a girl should be comfortable on her last few days on earth." Mystique chirped. Catherine grimmaced at the comment and then smirked. "How's the face shapeshifter? Scarring is all the latest rage these days." Catherine smiled at her quick wit. Unfortunately this earned her a hard slap to the face. "You do like to tempt fate don't you dear, if you weren't prophecised to destroy me I'm sure we would have been the best of friends." Methos said grinning.
"Don't bet on it. Maybe I could have been friends with the real Methos, but never you." Catherine said in a cold monotone voice as she stared at the creature behind Methos' eyes. "So you're not as naive as I thought you were. I suppose you're not. You couldn't be with as much trouble as you've been to me lately. Trying to contact Methos and break down the barriers that I have around him. You really are a nuisance." Methos said mockingly. "I'm not a nuisance to you, I'm a threat otherwise I wouldn't be tied up in a van would I. You know if I get half a chance I'll find a way to destroy you or at least send you back to where you came from." Catherine's voice was as cold as ice now and 'Methos' couldn't help but outwardly flinch. "You won't get a chance to my dear, once we reach our final destination and I properly prepare you're going to die and I'll have every precious ounce of power and knowledge in that worthless body of yours." 'Methos' smiled. "Mystique my dear drug her for the rest of the trip, I don't want to hear her mouth." 'Methos' ordered.
"I think I know where they're headed." Joe said. Up until now Joe was silent but he thought he could help the situation now. "Methos started acting strangely after the battle with his former horsemen buddies maybe thats where Methos was possesed."
"I was thinking along the same lines Joe. He never was the same after that. I chalked it up to all the bad memories and Cassandra's hatred of him. A part of him did love her very much at least then." Duncan commented. "If my memory serves me right Adam, methos' alterego, started issuing more information about Methos shortly after that to the Watcher council. I remember at the time it didn't seem like him at all, I mean giving up all that information he's usually very reserved about handing out information about his past lives." Joe added.
"Where exactly did this incident happen? I could use Cerebro to check for any anamolies in the area. The Shadow King may be powerful but he can't cover up a rip in the astral plane." Xavier interjected. "Just outside of Paris. It was an abandoned metal factory about twenty miles west of the city." Duncan said. The Professor donned the Cerebro helmet and zeroed in on the area. Sure enough there was the rip. The apparent cause of the rip must have been the residual effect of both of those powerful quickenings at the same time. To top it all off Joe tapped into Adam's financial holdings and found that he owned the property that the factory was on.
"Scott. Jean and I will be heading this mission our TK and TP powers will be of more use in the field. We'll be heading in with Duncan, Amanda, Conner, Wolverine, and Iceman. Wolverine and Iceman should be able to handle any hired men. Remy and Rogue will cover the back of the factory and secure an appropriate escape route. While Hank and Storm will be our eyes when we enter the factory and ready the portable medlab if injuries occur. Scott I'll need you to coordinate between all of us." Xavier ordered. "Yes sir. Okay you heard the professor we have to move out now." Everyone moved toward the Blackbird hanger,except for Joe he had to make sure that no watchers would be in the area. All any of them needed was civilians getting in the way.
Chapter Twenty
Catherine woke up again, only this time she found herself in what seemed to be a huge steel cage. Her surroundings seemed familiar but the pain in her head kept her from focusing on anything in particular. **Ack. When I get out of this place, some people are gonna pay big time! Especially Mystique.** Catherine thought as her mind and eyes slowly focused on her surroundings and the fact that she was wearing some sort of collar around her neck. **This place seems familiar, shit!, I'm in the factory where all this stuff started.** Catherine thought as she focused on Cassandra's memories. The prophecy that Cassandra spoke and her father's words spun in her head. Everything started to put itself together in her mind. The phophecy wasn't meant for the real Methos at all it was meant for... The Shadow King. **Damn what have I gotten myself into? According to the X-Men files this guy is supposed to be trapped in the astral plane. How'd he get out?** Catherine mused in her cage. **OH MY God! Cassandra you weren't talking to Methos at all were you. You knew all a long this had to happen, that your end was my beginning. The Shadow King must have escaped the astral plain when both Methos and Dad had those huge quickenings. A disturbance with that great of an amount of energy could certainly cause a glitch or two in the wrong places.** Catherine thought to herself as she started to fully take in her surroundings. She noted that the scientist side of Amanda was starting show in her persona as well.
Richie stood watching the young woman who had ignored his affections from the shadows. **Have I done the right thing?** He asked himself as he turned and started walking towards 'Methos'.
The flight to Paris in the blackbird was a bit long a bit too long for the immortals. There long lives had not blessed them with immeasureable patience and in Amanda's case it seemed to lesson it even more. Remy wanted to ring Richie's immortal neck for betraying them to the shadow king. Bobby on the other hand wanted to kill him. The others just wanted to get her back. Conner had the sneaking suspicion that none of the other immortals would be truly needed in this battle but rather afterwards. He had the feeling that Catherine would have a lot to deal with and a lot of decisions to make.
Meanwhile Catherine was getting more and more pissed by the second especially since she noticed that she was wearing a power inhibiting collar around her neck. **Great, I can't use my TP or TK to get out of this mess. I guess I'm back to square one until I can get this thing off and great the one night you don't bring so much as a lock pick with you. You're a genius Catherine. Mom would dig into me bad if she knew. Hell she probably already knows. I wonder if I can use my magic still, with this collar around my neck?** Catherine thought as she sat in the center of the cage.
Just then Richie and 'Methos' dressed in black walked out of the shadows. As if on instict Catherine jumped into a battle stance and prepared herself mentally for a fight. The Highlanders and Wolverine would be proud of the way she hid her fear as the two men walked up to her prison. 'Methos' was about to say something when Catherine beat him to the punch. "So come to gloat or try and finish the job 'Shadow King'?" Catherine spat. Her voice was pure venom. It made Richie visibly shudder. He never thought Catherine could sound so cold. Catherine shot Richie a look that just oozed the word traitor.
The shadow king smiled and stepped up to her cage with a sarcastic grin and clapped his hands together in applause at Catherine. "So you finally put two and two together my dear good for you. Too bad you didn't think not to trust those closest to you. You might have bought youself a little time." He was so confident that it made Catherine want to break every bone in his smiling face. "When I get out this cage, you'll be smiling out of the other side of 'Methos' face. I may not have my mutant powers but I can still kick your sorry butt." Catherine said. "My dear when you get out of that cage you'll die and then I'll have all your powers and knowledge and the other immortals of the world will be easy pickings. I'll rule this world yet." 'Methos' said.
Richie stood in the background listening. **What did she mean by Methos' face? Rule the world?** Then he was stirred from his musings. "Richie you truly are gullable. That's not even the real Methos." Catherine said jerking a finger toward Methos. "You let him turn you against me, let him use your fear and doubt to cloud what you know is right." Catherine said with disgust directed towards 'Methos'. Richie just stood there silently with a hundred thoughts going through his mind. He'd made one of the biggest mistakes of his life and depending on how mad the others where at him it might be the last mistake he ever gets to make. **I've got to do something. But what?** Before Richie could even take a step in the direction of the cage a TK force hurled him across the factory empaling him on through the heart as he landed on a heap of scrap metal. Catherine stifled a scream as a look of horror crossed her face.
"Now now Mr. Ryan, no changing your mind now. You should have thought about the consequences of your actions before switching sides." The shadow king said. Richie's last thoughts before blacking out were a prayer that Catherine would forgive him. When Catherine realized why the Shadow King attacked Richie she forgave him. "I'll let you enjoy your last few hours on earth in peace my dear. I'll see you at sunset." The shadow king said with a grin plastered across Methos' sharp features. "Mystique guard our guest until then, we wouldn't want her trying to escape." Mystique strolled in out of a shadowy corner and knodded to the man as he walked away.
Okay stopping right here. As always R&R. This is by far not the only Catherine story I have. Theres more x-over to come. I don't own the songs! Think Cali and Scooby gang! Thanks.