A/N: Okay... here is Chap 7. Hope you like it. Chap 7 was supposed to be the end but one of my friends threatened severe punishment to her lip if I didn't do an Epilogue. So read seven, then the ep. and it's done. Whew!
Tranquillity Chap Seven: Hiding the Heart
It had been done. There was a small service for Richards mother, and the faculty was made aware of everything that had happened, from murder to adoption. Though it took some time, life returned to normal for the people of Xavier's School for the Gifted. Classes let out for summer break and things had been quiet on the X-Men scene, Sabertooth having been dealt with already.
Tranquillity was curled under a giant maple tree in a far corner of the grounds when she felt his sigh and she again realized how bored he was. Summer held no excitement for Logan and he had the itch to find some. Only Marie held him in place; his love for her, though it had taken years to emerge, was strong and it held him where he was, held him against his own nature. Closing her book Tranquillity felt herself being swept away by his boredom. Shutting her eyes she closed the door to her heart before his boredom swept her away completely. Tired from needing to keep a barrier up against his strong emotions Tranquillity retired to her room for a nap, curling up into a ball, and slept, not realizing how exhausted she was. By the time she woke it was to the incessant pounding of a little fist on her door. Groggily she opened and was greeted by Richard's face.
"Tranquillity, come on! It's time for dinner! You're late!"
Still sleepy, her emotional barriers down, she was caught up by his hurried feeling. Trying to wipe the sleep from her eyes and straighten her clothes she followed the little boy into the dining room. Slipping into her seat Tranquillity apologized for being late. She picked up her fork and was about to spear a bite when it happened. Sharp, searing, blinding pain gripped her heart and the fork dropped to the plate with a loud clatter. Clutching a hand to her chest she tried to shut the feelings out of her heart, unsure who was causing it until she could step back and look on from a distance. But the feelings were too powerful, overwhelming, and she couldn't break the connection.
All around her the noise of conversation and laughter stopped when her fork fell. Immediately jean was by her side trying to determine what was wrong. "Tranq? Tranq talk to me... what's wrong?"
Shaking her head Tranquillity tried to get away but only succeeded in falling to the floor, her hands still clutching her chest in a vain attempt to block the pain. The pain was so great she hardly noticed being lifted and carried through the halls to the med lab and laid on a gurney. Nor was she aware of the tests being run. All she felt was the pain, but as time passed she found she was able to focus a little more on the source of it. Straining to look past the pain she saw Marie, doubled over in her bed, eyes stained red, tear-soaked pillow beneath her head, letter in her hand, and Tranquillity knew without a doubt what had happened.
With that knowledge the link was broken and the pain stopped. Breathless from the experience she lay still for a moment to calm down. When she opened her eyes she saw Charles sitting next to her, his eyes boring into her with such concern she was almost overwhelmed once more. He didn't say anything, waiting for her to regain her composure. As she relaxed from the pain she became aware of his left hand stroking her hair while his right held both of her hands captive.
"Sorry."
"You certainly scared everyone." ~ Me most of all. ~
~ I didn't mean to. ~
~ I know. Are you okay now? ~
Tranquillity sighed. ~ I think so. It was just such a shock. She's hurting so much! ~
~ Who? What happened? ~
~ Logans left. He left Marie a note. When she found it... ~
Though her thought trailed off Charles was left with a clear image of how she had seen Marie. Shaking his head at the stupidity of Wolverine he closed his eyes and hoped against all hope they could make it right with Rogue before it was too late.
~ The pain was just too much. I couldn't raise my barriers in time and then it was so overwhelming I couldn't distance myself. ~
~ I thought... I was afraid that... Frankly I didn't know what to think. I was too scared that I was loosing you. ~
Tranquillity smiled at him. ~ Never. You'll never loose me. ~
~ Never say 'never' ~ he smiled back.
~ How about always? Is always okay? ~
~ That would depend on how you use it. ~
~ Well, I promise that you will always be the only man I love. ~
~ Now that's the kind of always I'm used to, because you have always and will always be the only woman I love. ~
Having already ushered everyone out of the room Jean too slipped out the door, leaving the couple to their own as their lips met for the first time.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sitting on the small bed, her free hand stroking the young woman's hair, Tranquillity held the now sleeping Marie in her arms. They'd been up well into the night talking, crying, until she'd finally fallen into a light sleep. While she slept Tranquillity pushed around her memories, calling forth the less painful ones, helping Marie remember that Logan was a creature who needed to be on the move, that is was in his blood. She knew this was going to be a painful time for her but with the right words and the love of her friends she would be okay.
While Tranquillity stayed with Marie Charles, in his office, tried to reach Logan to find out why he left. What he found out from the wandering X-Men made him stop and wonder.
~ Gilda, how is she? ~
~ Okay for now. She's sleeping. Did you find Logan? ~
~ Yes. He didn't leave because he wanted to. He got a line on some more details about Alkali Lake and only had a short time to check on them. If it gives him some more clues he may be back in a few months, but if not he'll be here in a few days. ~
~ Why couldn't he just tell her that? ~ she sighed.
~ She would have insisted on coming along, and it's a very dangerous place he's going to. I'm worried about him. ~
~ You think it's too rough for him? ~
~ No. I'm worried he may forget how much he stands to loose this time. I don't know if Rogue will be able to forgive him again, Gilda. ~
~ She will. She loves him too much not to. But it's killing her. One more time and she won't recover. ~
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Summer came and went, taking fall with it, and winter had arrived with gusto. The mansions grounds were blanketed with two feet of snow and everyone was mansion bound for the next few days. To ease the growing boredom Tranquillity had organized a marshmallow roasting party in the main recreation room. Children of all ages, armed with long branches, stood in front of the massive fireplace roasting their marshmallow's to perfection while the adults supervised from the far corner, sipping hot chocolate.
"This was a great idea, Tranq. How did you ever think of it?"
"The kids were getting restless. It's usually something everyone enjoys, so I thought it might work. Though it was Scott's idea to have them cut their own branches."
"That way they'd get outdoors for some fresh air," he explained.
Through the din of the children's laughter Tranquillity could just make out a pounding noise. Getting up she left the room with an 'excuse me' and went off in search of the source of the noise. As she drew near to the front door it got louder until she finally opened the large, heavy door leading to the small foyer between the two front doors. Standing there before her was a man she'd never seen before.
"Please, may I warm up by your fire? I saw the smoke from the road and it's so cold out."
Tranquillity's heart went out to him when she saw him standing before her, shivering. "Of course. This way." Gently she led him to the main recreation room to warm his body by the fire. As soon as they had entered she flinched from the sudden fear from one of the students. Scanning for its owner she was puzzled to discover it was Richard who was scared. Turning her eyes to him she saw him standing, frozen like a statue of ice, his pale face filled with unabashed horror.
~ Pete Gooding! ~ she called out mentally to Charles. ~ Oh dear god what have I done? ~
He saw Richard's reaction and knew his game was up. Grabbing the female mutant that had led him into the room he pulled out a gun and placed it to her temple. Screams echoed through out the room and the children fell to the floor even while the adults took a step toward them.
"Stay back! Back or I'll kill her!" They froze and waited for Charles to take over control of his body as he had done to others.
Concentrating he tried to do to Pete as he had done to others only to be kicked out before he could take control. ~ I can't get access. We have to take care of him very carefully. ~ he told the X-Men as they stood, ready to move into action.
"Come here boy! Get over here!" With his arm wrapped around Tranquillity's neck, cutting off her air, he waved the gun for Richard to come to him.
"No!" she rasped to the young boy. "Don't..." Her words were cut off as Pete tightened his hold on her, his well-muscled arm squeezing around her small neck.
"If anybody tries anything I'll blow her brains out! Not even you mutie's are immune to bullets!"
Children screamed as they heard the threat but Charles silenced them with a thought. The last thing he needed was their hysteria. ~ It'll be all right. Just do whatever he says until we can get you out of there. ~ he 'told' Tranquillity
~ No. Not if he wants Richard. I won't let this bastard have him. ~
"Now get over here boy!" Pete yelled, once more waving the gun around.
Using all the physical strength she had Tranquillity turned around to face the man holding her hostage. She saw his hate filled eyes and knew she had but a moment before she couldn't finish her plan. Raisin her hand she slipped it in between the buttons of his button down shirt until it rested on his chest, directly over his heart. Closing her eyes she summoned her power felt the flow begin. From her heart, through her hand, the icy veil of fear moved to wrap itself around the mans heart, blanketing it in a paralyzing chill that stopped the muscles from beating once more.
Too late to stop, she knew this time was different. The last time had been over in a matter of seconds, this time it was taking too long to stop his heart, taking so much of her energy that she was afraid she would have none left to recover with. Tranquillity could feel her own power ebbing as she forced his heart to stop, a blackness settling in around her eyes, slowly encroaching upon her vision until she could see no more. She felt herself falling, unable to balance herself, and was pinned once more beneath a man she had killed. This time however there was a difference. As she fell through the blackest of tunnels, not knowing when she would stop falling, above her, haloed in a ray of light, was her angel, her love, the man that was her always.
~ Gilda? ~
~ I'm here. ~
~ What happened? ~
~ I killed him. Pete is dead. ~
~ I know. ~
~ So tired, Charles. ~
~ Then sleep. I'll be here when you wake up. ~
~ I know, my love. I know. ~
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It had been a week since Pete Gooding had attacked the school. The FBI had been called and his body was taken away. The coroner had ruled it a heart attack but didn't know why as his heart was in perfect condition, the heart of a health nut that the man was. Thankfully they didn't question it too much and the case was closed. The students were rather silent for the entire week and it worried Charles, as well as the faculty. He knew they were worried about Tranquillity, as was he but at least he knew it would be a month of waiting. But even that fact didn't stop him from worrying. Richard had taken everything that had happened very personally, blaming himself for what had happened, though it was in no way his fault. Almost every night he awoke with nightmares, crying out for Tranquillity, and each time Charles was there to hold the boy, his son, and to rock him back to sleep.
During that week it was made clear to him time and again how much Tranquillity had done for the people living in the mansion. Arguments broke out that she could have avoided, tears spilled that she would have swept away with happy memories, and the joy that had normally filled that halls was gone. Tranquillity was missed and until she was back nothing would be the same.
He was sitting in his office when he got the urgent message from Jean. Rushing down to the med lab, fearing the worst, what he saw stopped his heart cold. Though she had been in a coma, as he knew she would be, Tranquillity's vital signs had dropped drastically. Charles watched as Jean and Hank worked together to stabilize her, his hands gripping the arms of his wheelchair, knuckles white from the pressure. His face was blank, a mask to hide the emotions that she could read so well. Frantically the two doctors worked, trying several different medicinal mixtures to bring their friend to safety.
Several anxious moments later they sighed and stepped back, their efforts had succeeded; Tranquillity was back on stable ground. She was still in a coma and still in danger, but she was stabilized once more.
"What happened?"
"She crashed. Her heart gave out and she stopped breathing. We had to intubate her and get her heart going again." Jean swore. "We almost lost her, Professor."
Pushing his emotions aside Charles walled them up and locked the door for now, he would deal with them later. "This happened once before. I'll see if I can find out which hospital it as, perhaps someone there knows something."
"If you find someone let me know I want to speak with them."
Nodding he gave one last look at Tranquillity before leaving to research the hospital. Working through the night it wasn't until the next morning that he found what he was looking for. Calling the hospital he asked to speak with the doctor who had handled the case.
"This is Dr. Jim Intells. What can I do for you?"
"My name is Charles and I'm hoping you can help me out. About twenty years ago you chandelled a rather odd case; a young woman in a coma after being attacked by a rapist who had died of a heart attack during the attack."
"Yes, I remember that. The man was in good health, absolutely no indicators of or early warning signs. Very strange."
"What about the woman? She was in a coma?"
"Yes, she was. For a month, I believe. It was one hell of a coma, no one thought she'd make it."
"How so?" Charles asked, a feeling of dread coming over him, settling over his heart like an icy chill.
"Well it was a constant battle to keep her alive. Time and again over the month she almost died. Let me think... I believe it was four, maybe five times total."
"Damn!" he swore under his breath.
"Is there a reason your asking this?"
"Research, for a paper on coma's that I'm writing with a doctor friend of mine. Would you mind speaking with her?"
"No I suppose not."
Xavier transferred the call, warning Jean about the lie he'd told, and sat back in his chair trying to make his heart begin beating again. `Four or five times!' he thought to himself. 'Dear god...' Needing to see her he made his way to the Med Lab and took Tranquillity's hand in his, gently caressing it.
~ Gilda? I know you're in there somewhere. ~ he called out to her.
Not getting any response Charles closed his eyes and made his way into her mind. Looking around he was shocked by the emptiness of the room he stood in. There was simply nothing, gray walls and gray floors that stretched on forever. Walking along the edge of the room he continued to call out for his love, ~ Gilda. Gilda! ~, but there was no response. Refusing to give up he kept on walking, for what seemed like hours he walked through the endless gray. As he was about to leave he saw something a ways away sticking out of the wall. Hurrying over to it he saw that it was a door, locked.
~ Gilda? Answer me, please, ~ he pleaded. ~ Tell me what's happening. ~
Though he got no response Charles could faintly hear her music from the other side of the door, a sad, pain filled song, that filled his heart with both despair and tremendous joy at the same time. She was still there. His back to the wall Charles slid down and sat beside the locked door listening to her song. She was still here, and he was prepared to wait.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The month had come and gone but Charles hadn't given up yet. Several times she had crashed and each time Jean and Hank had managed to bring her back to safety, though with each instance it became harder and harder to do so. Charles had barely left her side, emerging from her mind only to take care of his own physical needs. His classes were put on hold, Ororo and Scott taking over what they could. The children were subdued; none of them wanting to play so long as their teacher was hurt.
Charles was again sitting by the locked door, listening to her, waiting, when the walls and floor suddenly began to shake. Tranquillity was crashing again. Calling out to her he stayed with her, encouraging Gilda to stay with him, to keep fighting when as suddenly as it had begun the quaking stopped. Glancing around, curious as to why it was such a short period this time he was surprised to hear a little popping noise. Scrambling to his feet he looked around and saw a picture, framed and hanging on the wall over where his head had been. Peering at it he saw his own face smiling back at him.
His brow drawn in confusion he didn't hear the barely audible click of the door being unlocked. But the movement of the door handle caught his attention and he held his breath as the door opened.
~ Charles? ~
~ Gilda? Come out here. It's okay. Your safe. ~
Hesitantly she emerged from the doorway and looked up at the man she loved standing before her. ~ What are you doing here? ~
~ Waiting for you. ~
~ I... I did it again didn't I? I killed someone. ~
~ Yes. ~ He saw the sudden sadness in her eyes and wished he could make it go away. ~ You did it to save the children. You saved their lives, Gilda. ~
She smiled at him. ~ Stop worrying, I'll be okay, ~ she told him, her hand linking with his.
Another popping noise filled the room and he saw a picture of Richard appear on the wall. ~ What is this? ~
~ This is my life. It's the pictures of my life. I always keep those I love closest to my heart. ~
More and more pictures appeared on the walls and together they looked over each of them. Most were the students and faculty of the school but there were some Charles didn't know. As they wandered she introduced him to Briggeet, Thomas, her friend that was killed, as well as others from her past. For hours she told him stories from her past until they arrived at another door.
~ What's this? ~ he asked.
~ This is where I keep my dreams. ~
Opening the door she led him inside and knelt before a large hope chest. Lifting the lid she pulled out a bundle of cloth and ribbon and handed it to him. As he peeled back the ribbon and cloth they were suddenly surrounded by the children and a feeling of peace washed over them.
~ This is the dream that you made come true. ~
Closing it they were once more kneeling before the trunk. Gilda retied the ribbons and Charles picked up another, this one wrapped in lace and tied with a string of pearls.
~ This one? ~
~ That... well... ~ she blushed. Reaching over she hesitantly untied the string of pearls. ~ This is one that I still dream. ~
Charles looked around to see himself once more surrounded by the students, only this time they were seated. Scott stood by his side and he noticed he was wearing a tuxedo. Lifting his eyes he looked down the aisle between the rows of students and saw Gilda slowly waking toward him, her beautiful face hidden behind a lacy veil. When she reached him he lifted the veil and took her face in his hands.
~ This is one dream that you and I share, my love. ~ Bending his head down he gently brushed his lips over hers. ~ What do you say we make it a reality? ~
A small tear left Gilda's eye and made its way down her cheek. ~ Yes. ~ she breathed.
Lifting her lips to his once more she closed her eyes and fell into the love that flowed over her. Huddled in the arms of the man she loved Tranquillity opened her eyes and saw the silver ceiling of the Med Lab.
"Welcome home..." Charles whispered to her, his breath brushing past her ear as his head rested beside hers on the gurney. "... wife."
Tranquillity Chap Seven: Hiding the Heart
It had been done. There was a small service for Richards mother, and the faculty was made aware of everything that had happened, from murder to adoption. Though it took some time, life returned to normal for the people of Xavier's School for the Gifted. Classes let out for summer break and things had been quiet on the X-Men scene, Sabertooth having been dealt with already.
Tranquillity was curled under a giant maple tree in a far corner of the grounds when she felt his sigh and she again realized how bored he was. Summer held no excitement for Logan and he had the itch to find some. Only Marie held him in place; his love for her, though it had taken years to emerge, was strong and it held him where he was, held him against his own nature. Closing her book Tranquillity felt herself being swept away by his boredom. Shutting her eyes she closed the door to her heart before his boredom swept her away completely. Tired from needing to keep a barrier up against his strong emotions Tranquillity retired to her room for a nap, curling up into a ball, and slept, not realizing how exhausted she was. By the time she woke it was to the incessant pounding of a little fist on her door. Groggily she opened and was greeted by Richard's face.
"Tranquillity, come on! It's time for dinner! You're late!"
Still sleepy, her emotional barriers down, she was caught up by his hurried feeling. Trying to wipe the sleep from her eyes and straighten her clothes she followed the little boy into the dining room. Slipping into her seat Tranquillity apologized for being late. She picked up her fork and was about to spear a bite when it happened. Sharp, searing, blinding pain gripped her heart and the fork dropped to the plate with a loud clatter. Clutching a hand to her chest she tried to shut the feelings out of her heart, unsure who was causing it until she could step back and look on from a distance. But the feelings were too powerful, overwhelming, and she couldn't break the connection.
All around her the noise of conversation and laughter stopped when her fork fell. Immediately jean was by her side trying to determine what was wrong. "Tranq? Tranq talk to me... what's wrong?"
Shaking her head Tranquillity tried to get away but only succeeded in falling to the floor, her hands still clutching her chest in a vain attempt to block the pain. The pain was so great she hardly noticed being lifted and carried through the halls to the med lab and laid on a gurney. Nor was she aware of the tests being run. All she felt was the pain, but as time passed she found she was able to focus a little more on the source of it. Straining to look past the pain she saw Marie, doubled over in her bed, eyes stained red, tear-soaked pillow beneath her head, letter in her hand, and Tranquillity knew without a doubt what had happened.
With that knowledge the link was broken and the pain stopped. Breathless from the experience she lay still for a moment to calm down. When she opened her eyes she saw Charles sitting next to her, his eyes boring into her with such concern she was almost overwhelmed once more. He didn't say anything, waiting for her to regain her composure. As she relaxed from the pain she became aware of his left hand stroking her hair while his right held both of her hands captive.
"Sorry."
"You certainly scared everyone." ~ Me most of all. ~
~ I didn't mean to. ~
~ I know. Are you okay now? ~
Tranquillity sighed. ~ I think so. It was just such a shock. She's hurting so much! ~
~ Who? What happened? ~
~ Logans left. He left Marie a note. When she found it... ~
Though her thought trailed off Charles was left with a clear image of how she had seen Marie. Shaking his head at the stupidity of Wolverine he closed his eyes and hoped against all hope they could make it right with Rogue before it was too late.
~ The pain was just too much. I couldn't raise my barriers in time and then it was so overwhelming I couldn't distance myself. ~
~ I thought... I was afraid that... Frankly I didn't know what to think. I was too scared that I was loosing you. ~
Tranquillity smiled at him. ~ Never. You'll never loose me. ~
~ Never say 'never' ~ he smiled back.
~ How about always? Is always okay? ~
~ That would depend on how you use it. ~
~ Well, I promise that you will always be the only man I love. ~
~ Now that's the kind of always I'm used to, because you have always and will always be the only woman I love. ~
Having already ushered everyone out of the room Jean too slipped out the door, leaving the couple to their own as their lips met for the first time.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sitting on the small bed, her free hand stroking the young woman's hair, Tranquillity held the now sleeping Marie in her arms. They'd been up well into the night talking, crying, until she'd finally fallen into a light sleep. While she slept Tranquillity pushed around her memories, calling forth the less painful ones, helping Marie remember that Logan was a creature who needed to be on the move, that is was in his blood. She knew this was going to be a painful time for her but with the right words and the love of her friends she would be okay.
While Tranquillity stayed with Marie Charles, in his office, tried to reach Logan to find out why he left. What he found out from the wandering X-Men made him stop and wonder.
~ Gilda, how is she? ~
~ Okay for now. She's sleeping. Did you find Logan? ~
~ Yes. He didn't leave because he wanted to. He got a line on some more details about Alkali Lake and only had a short time to check on them. If it gives him some more clues he may be back in a few months, but if not he'll be here in a few days. ~
~ Why couldn't he just tell her that? ~ she sighed.
~ She would have insisted on coming along, and it's a very dangerous place he's going to. I'm worried about him. ~
~ You think it's too rough for him? ~
~ No. I'm worried he may forget how much he stands to loose this time. I don't know if Rogue will be able to forgive him again, Gilda. ~
~ She will. She loves him too much not to. But it's killing her. One more time and she won't recover. ~
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Summer came and went, taking fall with it, and winter had arrived with gusto. The mansions grounds were blanketed with two feet of snow and everyone was mansion bound for the next few days. To ease the growing boredom Tranquillity had organized a marshmallow roasting party in the main recreation room. Children of all ages, armed with long branches, stood in front of the massive fireplace roasting their marshmallow's to perfection while the adults supervised from the far corner, sipping hot chocolate.
"This was a great idea, Tranq. How did you ever think of it?"
"The kids were getting restless. It's usually something everyone enjoys, so I thought it might work. Though it was Scott's idea to have them cut their own branches."
"That way they'd get outdoors for some fresh air," he explained.
Through the din of the children's laughter Tranquillity could just make out a pounding noise. Getting up she left the room with an 'excuse me' and went off in search of the source of the noise. As she drew near to the front door it got louder until she finally opened the large, heavy door leading to the small foyer between the two front doors. Standing there before her was a man she'd never seen before.
"Please, may I warm up by your fire? I saw the smoke from the road and it's so cold out."
Tranquillity's heart went out to him when she saw him standing before her, shivering. "Of course. This way." Gently she led him to the main recreation room to warm his body by the fire. As soon as they had entered she flinched from the sudden fear from one of the students. Scanning for its owner she was puzzled to discover it was Richard who was scared. Turning her eyes to him she saw him standing, frozen like a statue of ice, his pale face filled with unabashed horror.
~ Pete Gooding! ~ she called out mentally to Charles. ~ Oh dear god what have I done? ~
He saw Richard's reaction and knew his game was up. Grabbing the female mutant that had led him into the room he pulled out a gun and placed it to her temple. Screams echoed through out the room and the children fell to the floor even while the adults took a step toward them.
"Stay back! Back or I'll kill her!" They froze and waited for Charles to take over control of his body as he had done to others.
Concentrating he tried to do to Pete as he had done to others only to be kicked out before he could take control. ~ I can't get access. We have to take care of him very carefully. ~ he told the X-Men as they stood, ready to move into action.
"Come here boy! Get over here!" With his arm wrapped around Tranquillity's neck, cutting off her air, he waved the gun for Richard to come to him.
"No!" she rasped to the young boy. "Don't..." Her words were cut off as Pete tightened his hold on her, his well-muscled arm squeezing around her small neck.
"If anybody tries anything I'll blow her brains out! Not even you mutie's are immune to bullets!"
Children screamed as they heard the threat but Charles silenced them with a thought. The last thing he needed was their hysteria. ~ It'll be all right. Just do whatever he says until we can get you out of there. ~ he 'told' Tranquillity
~ No. Not if he wants Richard. I won't let this bastard have him. ~
"Now get over here boy!" Pete yelled, once more waving the gun around.
Using all the physical strength she had Tranquillity turned around to face the man holding her hostage. She saw his hate filled eyes and knew she had but a moment before she couldn't finish her plan. Raisin her hand she slipped it in between the buttons of his button down shirt until it rested on his chest, directly over his heart. Closing her eyes she summoned her power felt the flow begin. From her heart, through her hand, the icy veil of fear moved to wrap itself around the mans heart, blanketing it in a paralyzing chill that stopped the muscles from beating once more.
Too late to stop, she knew this time was different. The last time had been over in a matter of seconds, this time it was taking too long to stop his heart, taking so much of her energy that she was afraid she would have none left to recover with. Tranquillity could feel her own power ebbing as she forced his heart to stop, a blackness settling in around her eyes, slowly encroaching upon her vision until she could see no more. She felt herself falling, unable to balance herself, and was pinned once more beneath a man she had killed. This time however there was a difference. As she fell through the blackest of tunnels, not knowing when she would stop falling, above her, haloed in a ray of light, was her angel, her love, the man that was her always.
~ Gilda? ~
~ I'm here. ~
~ What happened? ~
~ I killed him. Pete is dead. ~
~ I know. ~
~ So tired, Charles. ~
~ Then sleep. I'll be here when you wake up. ~
~ I know, my love. I know. ~
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It had been a week since Pete Gooding had attacked the school. The FBI had been called and his body was taken away. The coroner had ruled it a heart attack but didn't know why as his heart was in perfect condition, the heart of a health nut that the man was. Thankfully they didn't question it too much and the case was closed. The students were rather silent for the entire week and it worried Charles, as well as the faculty. He knew they were worried about Tranquillity, as was he but at least he knew it would be a month of waiting. But even that fact didn't stop him from worrying. Richard had taken everything that had happened very personally, blaming himself for what had happened, though it was in no way his fault. Almost every night he awoke with nightmares, crying out for Tranquillity, and each time Charles was there to hold the boy, his son, and to rock him back to sleep.
During that week it was made clear to him time and again how much Tranquillity had done for the people living in the mansion. Arguments broke out that she could have avoided, tears spilled that she would have swept away with happy memories, and the joy that had normally filled that halls was gone. Tranquillity was missed and until she was back nothing would be the same.
He was sitting in his office when he got the urgent message from Jean. Rushing down to the med lab, fearing the worst, what he saw stopped his heart cold. Though she had been in a coma, as he knew she would be, Tranquillity's vital signs had dropped drastically. Charles watched as Jean and Hank worked together to stabilize her, his hands gripping the arms of his wheelchair, knuckles white from the pressure. His face was blank, a mask to hide the emotions that she could read so well. Frantically the two doctors worked, trying several different medicinal mixtures to bring their friend to safety.
Several anxious moments later they sighed and stepped back, their efforts had succeeded; Tranquillity was back on stable ground. She was still in a coma and still in danger, but she was stabilized once more.
"What happened?"
"She crashed. Her heart gave out and she stopped breathing. We had to intubate her and get her heart going again." Jean swore. "We almost lost her, Professor."
Pushing his emotions aside Charles walled them up and locked the door for now, he would deal with them later. "This happened once before. I'll see if I can find out which hospital it as, perhaps someone there knows something."
"If you find someone let me know I want to speak with them."
Nodding he gave one last look at Tranquillity before leaving to research the hospital. Working through the night it wasn't until the next morning that he found what he was looking for. Calling the hospital he asked to speak with the doctor who had handled the case.
"This is Dr. Jim Intells. What can I do for you?"
"My name is Charles and I'm hoping you can help me out. About twenty years ago you chandelled a rather odd case; a young woman in a coma after being attacked by a rapist who had died of a heart attack during the attack."
"Yes, I remember that. The man was in good health, absolutely no indicators of or early warning signs. Very strange."
"What about the woman? She was in a coma?"
"Yes, she was. For a month, I believe. It was one hell of a coma, no one thought she'd make it."
"How so?" Charles asked, a feeling of dread coming over him, settling over his heart like an icy chill.
"Well it was a constant battle to keep her alive. Time and again over the month she almost died. Let me think... I believe it was four, maybe five times total."
"Damn!" he swore under his breath.
"Is there a reason your asking this?"
"Research, for a paper on coma's that I'm writing with a doctor friend of mine. Would you mind speaking with her?"
"No I suppose not."
Xavier transferred the call, warning Jean about the lie he'd told, and sat back in his chair trying to make his heart begin beating again. `Four or five times!' he thought to himself. 'Dear god...' Needing to see her he made his way to the Med Lab and took Tranquillity's hand in his, gently caressing it.
~ Gilda? I know you're in there somewhere. ~ he called out to her.
Not getting any response Charles closed his eyes and made his way into her mind. Looking around he was shocked by the emptiness of the room he stood in. There was simply nothing, gray walls and gray floors that stretched on forever. Walking along the edge of the room he continued to call out for his love, ~ Gilda. Gilda! ~, but there was no response. Refusing to give up he kept on walking, for what seemed like hours he walked through the endless gray. As he was about to leave he saw something a ways away sticking out of the wall. Hurrying over to it he saw that it was a door, locked.
~ Gilda? Answer me, please, ~ he pleaded. ~ Tell me what's happening. ~
Though he got no response Charles could faintly hear her music from the other side of the door, a sad, pain filled song, that filled his heart with both despair and tremendous joy at the same time. She was still there. His back to the wall Charles slid down and sat beside the locked door listening to her song. She was still here, and he was prepared to wait.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The month had come and gone but Charles hadn't given up yet. Several times she had crashed and each time Jean and Hank had managed to bring her back to safety, though with each instance it became harder and harder to do so. Charles had barely left her side, emerging from her mind only to take care of his own physical needs. His classes were put on hold, Ororo and Scott taking over what they could. The children were subdued; none of them wanting to play so long as their teacher was hurt.
Charles was again sitting by the locked door, listening to her, waiting, when the walls and floor suddenly began to shake. Tranquillity was crashing again. Calling out to her he stayed with her, encouraging Gilda to stay with him, to keep fighting when as suddenly as it had begun the quaking stopped. Glancing around, curious as to why it was such a short period this time he was surprised to hear a little popping noise. Scrambling to his feet he looked around and saw a picture, framed and hanging on the wall over where his head had been. Peering at it he saw his own face smiling back at him.
His brow drawn in confusion he didn't hear the barely audible click of the door being unlocked. But the movement of the door handle caught his attention and he held his breath as the door opened.
~ Charles? ~
~ Gilda? Come out here. It's okay. Your safe. ~
Hesitantly she emerged from the doorway and looked up at the man she loved standing before her. ~ What are you doing here? ~
~ Waiting for you. ~
~ I... I did it again didn't I? I killed someone. ~
~ Yes. ~ He saw the sudden sadness in her eyes and wished he could make it go away. ~ You did it to save the children. You saved their lives, Gilda. ~
She smiled at him. ~ Stop worrying, I'll be okay, ~ she told him, her hand linking with his.
Another popping noise filled the room and he saw a picture of Richard appear on the wall. ~ What is this? ~
~ This is my life. It's the pictures of my life. I always keep those I love closest to my heart. ~
More and more pictures appeared on the walls and together they looked over each of them. Most were the students and faculty of the school but there were some Charles didn't know. As they wandered she introduced him to Briggeet, Thomas, her friend that was killed, as well as others from her past. For hours she told him stories from her past until they arrived at another door.
~ What's this? ~ he asked.
~ This is where I keep my dreams. ~
Opening the door she led him inside and knelt before a large hope chest. Lifting the lid she pulled out a bundle of cloth and ribbon and handed it to him. As he peeled back the ribbon and cloth they were suddenly surrounded by the children and a feeling of peace washed over them.
~ This is the dream that you made come true. ~
Closing it they were once more kneeling before the trunk. Gilda retied the ribbons and Charles picked up another, this one wrapped in lace and tied with a string of pearls.
~ This one? ~
~ That... well... ~ she blushed. Reaching over she hesitantly untied the string of pearls. ~ This is one that I still dream. ~
Charles looked around to see himself once more surrounded by the students, only this time they were seated. Scott stood by his side and he noticed he was wearing a tuxedo. Lifting his eyes he looked down the aisle between the rows of students and saw Gilda slowly waking toward him, her beautiful face hidden behind a lacy veil. When she reached him he lifted the veil and took her face in his hands.
~ This is one dream that you and I share, my love. ~ Bending his head down he gently brushed his lips over hers. ~ What do you say we make it a reality? ~
A small tear left Gilda's eye and made its way down her cheek. ~ Yes. ~ she breathed.
Lifting her lips to his once more she closed her eyes and fell into the love that flowed over her. Huddled in the arms of the man she loved Tranquillity opened her eyes and saw the silver ceiling of the Med Lab.
"Welcome home..." Charles whispered to her, his breath brushing past her ear as his head rested beside hers on the gurney. "... wife."