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Chapt. 18 of Junior X
The Pact
How he wished he could wash the week's troubles down the drain.
This was Kurt Wagner's thought as he ran the antique cast iron tub full of hot water. It had been almost a week since Mystique's visit, and things had not gotten any easier for him to deal with. He shook his head,
a million thoughts and possibilities swimming through his troubled mind. His heart wished for one thing, his mind logically optioned for another.
"Why?" he thought as he undressed. "Why? What right did she have?" He gently stepped into the tub, allowing his skin to adjust to the temperature of the water. He then proceeded to gently lower the rest of his
enormous girth into the tub, the soapy water flowing around his body. He sighed, resting his head on the wall behind him.
"Should I? All my life I have wondered, imagined what it would be like to have my heritage. To know who my parents are. Only to find out that my father was right under my nose. Mein Gott." He tried to allow the
thought to dissappear. For now, anyway. A smile of relief played across his lips, allowing the heat of the bath to soothe his aching muscles and calm his frazzled nerves. The relief rippled across his body as he
closed his eyes in exhaustion, pondering what his next step should be.
"If I tell Logan, what would he do? Reject me? Accuse me of lying? Would I ruin his present by telling him of a past life he doesn't even remember, much less of me, his son? And what about our children? Don't they
deserve to know?" Kurt sat up with this thought. The children. They were what Kurt lived and breathed for each day. He looked down at his belly, pride and love in his heart. He laughed to himself as he watched his
stomach move and heave with the babies' movements. Love flooded his heart once more, and he leaned his head back again, sleep doing its best to overtake him. Whatever his decision, it would change his life and his
childrens' lives for good.
Just as he was about to doze off, Kitty's voice rang out to him, slightly muffled by the large wooden door of the bathroom.
"Kurt?" Kitty asked from the other side, her knuckles rapping on the door. "Kurt, honey, are you O.K. in there? Please, sweetheart, answer me?"
Kurt lazily opened his eyes halfway, looking toward the door where the voice eminated. He sighed in slight aggravation that he had been disturbed, and finally answered.
"Ja, leibling. I'm fine. I will be out shortly." he answered tiredly.
"Well, just don't fall asleep in there." Kitty's voice answered. "There have been cases of people drowning in tubs."
Kurt chuckled to himself as he heard Kitty walk away from the dooor and to their bedroom down the hall. He returned to his relaxed position, resting his hands on his protruding stomach. One of the babies
kicked hard right in the middle of his belly, catching him slightly off guard.
" Oh, so you want to play, eh?" he lovingly asked the children. This was fine by him. After last week's scare, it was just one more signal that they were doing fine, and each movement relieved him.
As he felt the bathwater begin to loose its heat, he finally decided it was time to join the outside world, as bad as he hated to at the moment. The bath had done wonders for his tired body, but what
about his equally tired soul? He knew what waited for him. The ultimate decision. Something he had been putting off for a whole week. Would he tell Logan? Kurt's face reflected the sadness in his
inability to make a decision.
Kurt raised himself out of the tub. Definitley no small task nowadays. He groaned as he lifted himself out, trying his best to manuever his stomach to his advantage. Finally on his feet, he dried himself , and
proceeded to slide into a very large pair of blue faded jeans and an extra large red t-shirt. As the shirt slipped over him, the babies once again tumbled inside him. Gingerly rubbing his stomach, he stood in front of the half-
mirror at the sink, looking himself up and down. No matter how many times he looked at himself, he could not quite get over just how big he truly was. Yet, he felt such pride and love every time he looked down at his stomach, so
full of life. They were becoming more and more active not to mention the strain of carrying them more and more evident. His back and legs ached constantly now, and his stomach usually got in the way of the things he was
accustomed to doing for himself. The gymnastics he loved were big no-nos, and he was constantly tired, either wanting to sit down or take a nap one. And bladder control was out of the question. He rubbed his lower back, the weight
bogging it down once again.
And he would gladly go through this hell again for them.
Kurt brushed his face with one hand. One thing was very evident, he needed a shave in the worst way. Kitty had commented yesterday about his bristly cheek, and told him it was like kissing an S.O.S pad. He just hadn't felt like shaving. He looked at
the dark circles under his eyes. The babies had constantly kept him awake with their kicking lately. He smiled.
"You really must get more rest, mein friend. After all, you are sleeping for four." He thought as he raked the razor across his face.
His face. High distinctive cheekbones. Sharp cleft chin. Well chiseled and cut. Full lips. A face Kitty constantly told him would make him a male model, if blue-skinned mutants were accepted. Framed with
black-violet hair. He stared, the resembelance finally becoming evident to him.
"Mein Gott." He realized. "It's Logan's face." And truthfully, it was. Despite being covered with blue fuzz and younger, it was really indisputable. Kurt was not quite as muscular, and he was taller, but still.......
"Kurt?" came Kitty's voice again. "Are you sure you're alright? You've been in there for almost an hour! You're not sick, are you?" She asked frantically.
Kurt looked toward the door. As annoying as Kitty's questions were becoming, he still loved her for them. He smiled. "I am finished, dear, just shaving." He shouted back as he rinsed the remaining shaving cream from
his face. He opened the door to find his wife's questioning chestnut eyes staring back at him.
"Oh, Kurt." Kitty said, wrapping him up in her arms. She raised her head, kissing him on the cheek and then planting a kiss on his stomach. She looked back into his eyes. "Are you sure you're o.k.? You weren't in there
throwing up or anything, were you?" Kitty asked worridly. "And don't lie! I know you, Mr. Wagner. Don't lie just to keep me from worrying."
Kurt closed his eyes and smiled, gathering her in his arms. "I feel fine, sweetheart. I was just taking a bath. The hot water felt so good, I guess I just lost track of time, that's all." He smiled, drowsiness creeping in his voice.
Kitty smiled, satisfied but still worried. Kurt still looked pale, and he seemed weak. "Well, let's get you four to bed." She said, wrapping one arm around his back and resting her free hand on his abdomen, guiding him down the
hallway to their bedroom. "I want you to take it extremely easy, mister. Do you hear me?"
Kurt nodded, sleep playing with his eyelids. "Ja. I would love nothing more than to get off of my feet for a little while." He said wearily as they walked through the bedroom door.
Closing the door behind her, Kitty turned down the sheets and pulled the blinds. "I don't want anyone to disturb you, understand? I don't care who it is or what they want. Your health comes first." She said sternly as she lowered
Kurt onto their bed.
Kurt didn't argue as he usually would, didn't even answer with words. The pregnancy was making him more and more tired as time went on. And why not? Carrying triplets wasn't easy for a woman, much less a man. He merely nodded,
and lay flat on his back, sighing in relief as the bed cradled his tired body.
As Kitty proceeded to plump up his pillow, Kurt propped himself up on his elbows, his eyes looking to Kitty.
"Kitty?" Kurt asked.
"Yes, baby." She returned as placed the pillow back in its spot. Her eyes, so warm and loving, looked to Kurt. She knew all too well what was on his mind. She knew that it was something that had to be dealt with. But she also knew that her
husband was in no condition to be facing this right now. She smiled, waiting for Kurt to ask the question she already knew was coming.
"What about?" he stopped, then proceeded. "What about Logan?"
Kitty's face melted into a pool of worry and confusion. She wanted so desperately to answer. But how? She herself wasn't sure how this should be handled. And poor Kurt, he had been sitting on top of this bombshell for a week. She took a deep
breath, saying the only thing she could. "I wish I knew." She stroked his hair, looking intently at the man she loved with all her heart. "God, why did she do this?! Why, of all times, did mama Mystique decide to be honest with you!
She's pure evil! Even when she tells the truth she fucks everything up!!" Kitty regained her composure, not wanting to upset Kurt. He surely didn't need another episode like the one he had earlier this week. She took another deep breath
looking at her husband. His eyes, so desperate, so full of pain.
"Darling, I know this has to be dealt with, and I know that there is no easy way out of this,but..." She stopped, resting her head on Kurt's chest and rubbing his belly. "I really think this needs to be put on the back burner until later."
Kurt leaned flat on his back once more, his mind tired. "How much later?" He asked, stroking Kitty's hair. "I want to do the right thing, Kitty, whatever that may be. I wish I knew." Kurt grabbed Kitty tighter. "My decision is going to affect all
involved, not just me. But you, our children, our friends, and especially Logan." Kurt could feel tears in his eyes. "If I tell him, it would change his life forever. I'm not sure for the better or worse. If I don't..." He choked, "Then Logan will
never know the past he's so longed to obtain, and I will have not only lost my father once, but twice."
Kitty raised up, looking down at Kurt. Laying on the bed, so very, very pregnant. His face so tormented. No, she didn't know what to tell him, but she did know what Kurt needed right now. She placed a finger to Kurt's lips to hush them. She smiled.
"Kurt, listen to me. Let's put one thing at a time. We have a long ordeal ahead of us. We will get through this. It's going to be a long road, I know. But if there is anything that I have learned, it's the fact that, as long as we have each other, we
will be invincible, as always." She blinked back her own tears, hoping her words gave Kurt some hope and rested his heart. "Kurt?" She turned to her husband, realizing that he didn't answer.
She looked into Kurt's face. "No wonder, the poor dear is fast asleep." She looked at him. He seemed to be resting soundly, better than he had in a while. His chest moving up and down in rhythm with his steady breathing. Kitty stroked his hair. "Sleep tight,
my love. Get as much rest as possible." She whispered to him as she kissed him on the cheek.
******************
The sun glistening off the snow burned his eyes as he walked into the courtyard of the mansion. Despite the bright blue sky and the fact that the snow was starting to melt, it was still bitterly cold, and the wind chilled him, even through his heavy parka.
"Cold, just like my heart." Hank McCoy thought to himself as he proceeded to brush the snow off the wrought-iron bench. Sitting down, he looked ahead at the edge of the mansion grounds.
Just a few feet ahead of him, cardinals were feeding off the seeds Betsy had put out for them. A little further ahead, he could see two rabbits headed for the thick forests, leaving nothing but tiny prints behind. "How unfair." He thought, "Despite all the
crisises I face, life goes on. Normal, for some." Hank buried his head in his hands, stricken with grief. For his endangered friend, for himself. This dark road he walked these past seven months. Had he indeed become the dreaded dark beast?
"I had the best of intentions." He told himself. Somehow, this little pep talk wasn't working. After all, the road to hell was paved with good intentions. Hank allowed his eyes to wander to one of the top windows of the mansion. The window to Kurt and Kitty's
quarters. His heart slammed with shame and remorse, yet his eyes refused to tear themselves away from that window. He knew, just beyond those glass panes, lay a very sick and possibly dying young man. A man who loved his family so much he was willing to take any
risk to have a second chance. Hank slowly removed his eyes and focused on the ground in front of him. McCoy was a scientist. He didn't just run from a problem like this. But, what more was there to do? Why, amongst all of his knowledge, could he not help Kurt?
Hank's attention was grabbed by the faint crunching of snow. Somebody was making their way toward him. In his disgust, however, he decided not to look up. He would only acknowledge their prescence when necessary. Right now, he wanted some time to wallow in his
own self-pity. Realizing that the footsteps stopped in front of him, he looked up to meet their owner.
"Hey der, doc." Shoulder length reddish hair and red on black eyes stared at him. "What de matter? You look like someone shot yer dog." The cajun laughed as he lit a cigarette.
Hank's face shot back an annoyed, aggravated expression. He came out here to be alone, to think. Not to exchange dim-witted phrases with Remy. Hank bit himself back. This was, after all, one of his friends, his "family". No need to bite their heads off for his
fuck-up. "Please, Remy. If you don't mind." He turned away. "I'd rather be alone. Thanks anyway."
Remy sat down beside Hank. He took another drag off his cigarette. "Dat's it, Lebeau. Play de cards, just like ol' Sinister wants." He thought to himself as a smile played across his lips. "Sure, I understand." Remy said, placing a hand on Hank's shoulder.
"But if ya need a friend, ol Remy right here. Like always. Come on, Blue, you make Remy sad to see you like dis." Remy questioned with mock concern.
Hank smiled wainly. "No, Remy. There's nothing anyone can do. Not a damned thing." He said quietly.
Remy smiled. Kurt's situation must be more serious than he initially thought. "Perfect." Remy said to himself. "The hook's been baited. Sinister's just gotta reel in his catch." Remy shook his head. "How do ya know I can't help? You don't know, I don't know,
if you don't tell me." Remy pried, laying on his charm thick.
Hank's expression grew sad once more. "No, how I wish you could, my friend. But..." He looked into the Cajun's eyes. There was nothing he could do, but there was one thing Remy might be able to assist him with.
"Do you really want to do something for me?" Hank said, his blue eyes so full of emotion.
Remy nodded. "Anything." He said sincerely.
"All my life, I have put my faith in science, in tangiable properties. Only those things which I could measure with a test tube or experiment. I had the utmost faith in physics, in chemistry and medicine." Tears were welling and he looked away from Remy.
"I feel that my faith may have been ill-placed. These dieties of science fail me now. Tell me, Remy, are you a religious man?"
Remy shook his head. "I don't consider myself no saint."
"But.." Hank asked, "Do you believe in a higher power?"
Remy nodded. "Oui. Remy do."
"Then do me a favor. Pray to that higher being, be it my God or another. It's the only hope I have now." Hank wiped his eyes, doing his best to gather himself. Hank rose to his feet, walking silently back toward the mansion, leaving Remy in his place on the bench.
Remy shouted for him. "Say, where you go? Don't walk away from me!" Remy shouted, acting as though his friend's grief bothered him.
Hank span around to answer. "I'm going back to the medlab. I'll be there all night, if anyone needs me." Hank resumed his walk toward the mansion. Hearing the front door close, Remy smiled to himself, satisfied with how well all the pieces were falling in place
for him.
"So, de good doctor be in all day and night, eh?" He laughed to himself. "Looks like Sinister can get an appointment for dis afternoon, non?"
*****************
"Kurt, please! Just one more plate?" Kitty begged Kurt as she tried to force a fourth helping of Rogue's lasagna down his throat.
Kurt laughed. "Please, Kitty! I beg you, no more!" He grabbed both of her hands, kissing them. He loved their time alone, especially with the future they faced.
"I haven't the room!"
"But," Kitty said, looking down at the cheese-ladened casserole. "You've lost so much weight, and I've been so worried, and cheese is so fattening!! And it would be
good for you and our babies!! And you slept through lunch and dinner and, and...." Kitty babbled on and on, making Kurt burst out in hysterical laughter.
"Kitty, leibling," Kurt smiled. There was worry in her voice and her nervous smile. He took a deep breath. "If it means that much to you, I will eat every last crumb."
Kurt said lovingly as he took the plate from her. Her worried scowl melted into a smile of satisfaction. She rose from her seat and walked toward the sink, scrubbing the
caked up lasagna out of the pyrex pan.
Kurt's eyes stared ahead in thought. "Kitty?"
"Yes, dear?" She answered as she became frustrated with the scuzzed over dish. With a frown, she plunked it back into the dish water. "I'll just let that soak." She thought
to herself.
"I have been thinking. You know. About Logan." Kurt rasped.
Kitty sighed. Her eyes fell on her husband sitting at the table. "I thought we agreed, we would handle this later."
"You agreed. I fell asleep before I could answer, remember?" Kurt chuckled.
Kitty shook her head, taking the seat next to her husband. "Kurt, please. I know how desperate you are to handle this, but please think of yourself and our children right now."
Kitty rubbed his back. "You're in no condition at all for this kind of stress. Didn't that little wave earlier this week teach you anything? Please, sweetheart, we'll deal with
this later."
Kurt groaned in bliss as Kitty's partially-phased fingers kneaded the tight muscles in his shoulders. "And how much later should that be, leibling? Never?" Kurt asked.
Kitty thought a minute. Did he mean that sarcastically? She ignored his intentions. "If you decide never, then so be it. Or, if you do decide that telling him is the thing to do,
I was thinking sometime after the babies are born and you are alot less pregnant." Kitty rested her head on Kurt's shoulder.
Kurt stared blankly in thought. "I'm going to tell him." He stated flatly.
Kitty lifted her head off Kurt's shoulder. "What?" she managed to spit out.
Kurt took Kitty in his arms. He was tired, irritated, but he would not take his ill mood out on her. He loved her, and she was his strength. He knew that she was doing only
what any loving mother and wife would do.
"Don't you see? It's the right decision. For better or worse, Logan has the right to know. Who he was, what he was. I have no right to keep that from him, regardless of the
consequences. The sooner, the better." Kurt said with finality.
Kitty's face split with a frown. "Kurt, you know that I support your decision, whatever it may be. But like I said. WAIT UNTIL OUR BABIES ARE BORN!! You are not going to make
yourself sick. Understand?" She scolded.
Kurt bit his tongue. He didn't want to loose his temper. Not with her. Not right now. Not risk making himself ill. He closed his eyes, allowing his intitial anger to subside.
"Kitty, I am fine. Right as rain. If you can call a pregnant man that." He said, trying to take the edge off of his emotions with a joke. "Mystique's intitial revelation caught me
off guard, that's all. But I have had time to think, to learn to accept. The shock has past, Kitty." Kurt forced her to look into his eyes. "Putting this off isn't going to make it any
easier. The sooner this is out, the better."
Kitty rolled her eyes. "Kurt, Logan has waited all his life. Who knows how long that's been? You have waited all your life. That's 28 years. What harm is there in waiting another two
months? I want to take care of you and our babies, Kurt." Kitty said.
"Kitty, you don't understand. I am doing this for our children. Please." He said, those golden eyes pleading with her. "It's very important. You know that."
Kitty looked into his face. She could see his hope, his dismay. "O.K. Your right. But we will do this together."
"No, Kitty." Kurt disagreed. "Lord in heaven knows I love you. You are my strength, my life. But this is one thing I must do on my own. Do you understand?" Kurt asked, hoping Kitty
could see that.
Kitty nodded. She loved him, wanted to protect him. Now more than ever. But, deep in her heart, she knew Kurt was right about this. She swallowed hard. "Yes. Yes, I know. But I love
you! I just don't want you hurt!!"
Kurt smiled. "Kitty, I have prepared myself for all the possibilities. Surely you know that I am stronger than that?"
Kitty smiled. "I know, I know all too well. But still." She snuggled up to him. "So, when do you plan to tell him?"
Kurt sighed. "Tommorrow morning. Right after breakfast."
Kitty bit her bottom lip. After going through this in her mind, she agreed. "Yes. O.K. Tommorrow morning." They were silent for a long
time, enjoying being in each others arms.
"Kurt?" Kitty broke the silence.
"Yes, my love?" Kurt said.
"You're my life, you and our babies." she said.
Kurt smiled. "As are you, my dear." He returned.
********************
Worried blue eyes scanned over the data, just as they had so many other times before. For some reason, Hank felt compeled to read the same
results over and over again, looking for some solution he prayed he may have overlooked before.
But no matter how much he sorted through Kurt's test results, no matter how many times he looked, that glimmer of hope faded as the too-obvious
truth stared back at him.
"Damn!" Hank shouted to himself, slamming a strong fist in frustration on his desk. His determination once again gave way to hopelessness. The
EKG Hank took of Kurt at this morning's examination was his worst yet, and Hank knew that things were not going to get any better.
"If only there were some way to end this. If there were some way to terminate Kurt's pregnancy. But there is none. It has to go to term. It is
a one way road." He rested his head in his folded arms on his desk. "No way at all. And even if there was a way, there is no way Kurt would even
consider it. He would gladly give his life for these children." Hank did the only thing he felt logical that was left to do. He cried.
Hank was a man who had once seen the impossible obstacles as fascinating challenges to overcome. And he did. He overcame them all. Except this
one. Yes, this was the one obstacle that would do him in. He went against everything he was taught as a doctor to prove his scientific genius.
And now he must pay for it. He wiped the tears from his eyes with the heal of his right hand, not so sure anymore as to whether he wept for Kurt
or for himself.
He looked around him. Here, in his medlab surrounded by Shiar technology that could do everything but raise the dead. Yet, it could save Hank
from his sin. He shook his head and returned to sobbing in his arms.
The silent atmosphere of the medlab was broken by a slight shuffle behind him. Startled, he wiped his eyes to face the intruder.
"So, McCoy. Are these crocodile tears you shed for your ill friend?" the figure asked, red eyes glowering from it.
Hank stood in shock. No, it couldn't be. "Sinister." Hank managed to breathe out. "How?"
Sinister chuckled, casually taking the seat on the other side of Hank's desk. "How did I manage to make my way here? Past the security system? Oh, come now,
McCoy! Surely you know this is one of the easier tasks I have accomplished." He sneered, taking a handful of mints from the candy dish on the desk with one
pale, clawed hand. "May I?" He sarcastically asked as he helped himself, placing the candy into his festering mouth and allowing his red eyes to pierce McCoy's
soul.
Hank felt nothing but hatred and hot rage for the being before him. He stood to his feet in defiance. "Get out." He said simply. "Get out before I escort you
out myself!!"
Sinister merely gave him a look of mock dissappointment. "Now, now, McCoy! Is that any way to treat the man whom is about to help you with your problem?"
He asked calmly, a wicked sneer painting his face.
McCoy's face gave a look of question. "What? What problem? What are you talking about?" Hank asked, his mind a flurry of questions.
"Now, McCoy, please!!" Sinister stood to his feet, growing dramatic. "We are both men of science!! Geniuses of design!! I am here merely to offer my services to you!
I am here to help with your little experiment!!"
Hank paused. Searching for the words to say. "What experiment? What are you talking about?"
Sinister returned to his seat. "Still playing dumb, eh? You know very well of which I speak." He was quiet a minute, and a wide grin showed a mouth full of fangs.
"The teleporter."
Hank stood in shock. He was angered, enraged. "How did you know?"
Sinister laughed. "Oh, please, McCoy! I have my sources!! As a scientist myself, I have been most intrigued by Kurt Wagner's pregnancy. Imagine!! A male carrying
fetuses to term? Why, I have watched Wagner as closely as you yourself have!!" He laughed once more, then grew solemn. "I must say, this little number has given
even me a run for my money. I must admit, I am quite jelous. Why, we are cut from the same cloth, you and I." Sinister arose from his chair again, gesturing toward
Hank with one hand. "I certainly cannot allow a brother in arms to allow such work to flop, can I?" He grinned.
Hank was enraged once more. "How dare you!!" He started, walking toward Sinister. "How dare you compare me to you!!I am nothing like you!! NOTHING!!" Hank screamed at him.
But what angered Hank the most was knowing fully well what Sinister had just said was partially true.
Sinister's face grew emotionless. "Now, McCoy. There's nothing wrong with being on the dark side of things!! We are all evil, but most are afraid to embrace it as we do."
He placed an arm around McCoy, causing the mutant's skin to crawl. "Besides, you know very well what I offer you far outweighs your hate for me."
Hank looked down at his feet. Has it come to this? Was he really becoming a man like Sinister? What other choice did he have now? After all, Kurt's life and his unborn
children's lives were in the balance. Only Hank could tip them in Kurt's favor, and Sinister would have to be the weight that would do that.
It was the only way. He swallowed back his bitterness and made his gaze back to the white skinned devil before him.
"Oh, please." Hank said pathetically. "Help me. Please." Hank was begging now, and fell to a pile before Sinister's feet. "It's too late for me now, but not for Kurt, not for
his children. I'll do anything. Anything at all. For God's sake, HELP THEM!!" He pleaded, looking up into Sinister's face.
"Of course! Of course!! I am at your service!! I already have the solution lined out. I assure you, Wagner and his children will be safe." He smiled.
"Well, then?" Hank asked, rising back to his feet. "What is it? Tell me!" Hank insisted.
"Tsk, tsk. Soon. Now is not the proper time." Sinister said, stroking his goatee.
Hank was confused. "But you said..."
"Yes, and I have every intention of helping you. But not right now. Soon, when the time is right, I will appear before you again. I will know when the time
is right."
Hank nodded. "I don't understand? When will that be?"
Sinister shook his head. "Best not to say too much. All will be revealed to you. Every last detail."
Hank slumped back into his chair, a mixture of relief and regret sweeping over him.
Sinister made his way to the medlab door, giving Hank one final glance. "I will see myself out. Oh, and McCoy?"
Hank looked up. "Yes?"
"You do know my services do not come without a price?" Sinister asked.
Hank swallowed hard. With Sinister, there was always a price, wasn't there? "Yes, I am fully aware."
"And, I can count on you to keep your word on it's payment upon rendition of my service?" Sinister asked.
Hank nodded. "Yes, whatever it takes. It will be paid. My word." Hank said.
"I'm sure. We will be seeing each other. Shortly. " His evil smile burned into Hank's memory as he walked out the
medlab door.
"My God." Hank said to himself. "What have I done?"
****************
Remy Lebeau waited patiently for his master. Hew wasn't worried. He knew Sinister well. He would arrive with his
payment. Soon.
The cold air at the edge of Breakstone Lake chilled him to the bone. Soon, he would have his reward. The Cajun's work
would be done. And he and the love of his life would be together forever.
"I see you awaited patiently?" Sinister asked as he met Remy in their usual spot.
Remy nodded nervously. "Oui. Did exactly as ya asked. How did it go?" Remy asked, more concerned with his payment that
Sinister's mission.
Sinister smiled in satisfaction. "Smoother than anticipated. I must say, Lebeau, you've done excellent work. Work, for which now
you will be handsomely rewarded." Sinister said, producing a vial with an ominous, glowing green liquid.
Remy's eyes lit up. "Is dat it?" He gasped, reaching for the vial. "Will dat do it?"
"Yes, my boy. At long last, you will be able to touch your precious Rogue." Sinister promised.
"Forever?" Remy asked.
"Till death do you part. You have my word." Sinister said, tossing him the vial.
"So, what do I do wit it?" Remy asked, holding it up to the light to inspect it.
"Tommorrow morning, you must drink this vial. After 24 hours, you will be able to touch her, hold her,
be with her in every sense of the word." He said.
Remy smiled. His lifelong dream would soon be reality. He looked at Sinister gratefully, running back toward
the mansion with his prize.
"Yes." Sinister said to himself, watching the young man leave. "Till death do you part."
Chapt. 18 of Junior X
The Pact
How he wished he could wash the week's troubles down the drain.
This was Kurt Wagner's thought as he ran the antique cast iron tub full of hot water. It had been almost a week since Mystique's visit, and things had not gotten any easier for him to deal with. He shook his head,
a million thoughts and possibilities swimming through his troubled mind. His heart wished for one thing, his mind logically optioned for another.
"Why?" he thought as he undressed. "Why? What right did she have?" He gently stepped into the tub, allowing his skin to adjust to the temperature of the water. He then proceeded to gently lower the rest of his
enormous girth into the tub, the soapy water flowing around his body. He sighed, resting his head on the wall behind him.
"Should I? All my life I have wondered, imagined what it would be like to have my heritage. To know who my parents are. Only to find out that my father was right under my nose. Mein Gott." He tried to allow the
thought to dissappear. For now, anyway. A smile of relief played across his lips, allowing the heat of the bath to soothe his aching muscles and calm his frazzled nerves. The relief rippled across his body as he
closed his eyes in exhaustion, pondering what his next step should be.
"If I tell Logan, what would he do? Reject me? Accuse me of lying? Would I ruin his present by telling him of a past life he doesn't even remember, much less of me, his son? And what about our children? Don't they
deserve to know?" Kurt sat up with this thought. The children. They were what Kurt lived and breathed for each day. He looked down at his belly, pride and love in his heart. He laughed to himself as he watched his
stomach move and heave with the babies' movements. Love flooded his heart once more, and he leaned his head back again, sleep doing its best to overtake him. Whatever his decision, it would change his life and his
childrens' lives for good.
Just as he was about to doze off, Kitty's voice rang out to him, slightly muffled by the large wooden door of the bathroom.
"Kurt?" Kitty asked from the other side, her knuckles rapping on the door. "Kurt, honey, are you O.K. in there? Please, sweetheart, answer me?"
Kurt lazily opened his eyes halfway, looking toward the door where the voice eminated. He sighed in slight aggravation that he had been disturbed, and finally answered.
"Ja, leibling. I'm fine. I will be out shortly." he answered tiredly.
"Well, just don't fall asleep in there." Kitty's voice answered. "There have been cases of people drowning in tubs."
Kurt chuckled to himself as he heard Kitty walk away from the dooor and to their bedroom down the hall. He returned to his relaxed position, resting his hands on his protruding stomach. One of the babies
kicked hard right in the middle of his belly, catching him slightly off guard.
" Oh, so you want to play, eh?" he lovingly asked the children. This was fine by him. After last week's scare, it was just one more signal that they were doing fine, and each movement relieved him.
As he felt the bathwater begin to loose its heat, he finally decided it was time to join the outside world, as bad as he hated to at the moment. The bath had done wonders for his tired body, but what
about his equally tired soul? He knew what waited for him. The ultimate decision. Something he had been putting off for a whole week. Would he tell Logan? Kurt's face reflected the sadness in his
inability to make a decision.
Kurt raised himself out of the tub. Definitley no small task nowadays. He groaned as he lifted himself out, trying his best to manuever his stomach to his advantage. Finally on his feet, he dried himself , and
proceeded to slide into a very large pair of blue faded jeans and an extra large red t-shirt. As the shirt slipped over him, the babies once again tumbled inside him. Gingerly rubbing his stomach, he stood in front of the half-
mirror at the sink, looking himself up and down. No matter how many times he looked at himself, he could not quite get over just how big he truly was. Yet, he felt such pride and love every time he looked down at his stomach, so
full of life. They were becoming more and more active not to mention the strain of carrying them more and more evident. His back and legs ached constantly now, and his stomach usually got in the way of the things he was
accustomed to doing for himself. The gymnastics he loved were big no-nos, and he was constantly tired, either wanting to sit down or take a nap one. And bladder control was out of the question. He rubbed his lower back, the weight
bogging it down once again.
And he would gladly go through this hell again for them.
Kurt brushed his face with one hand. One thing was very evident, he needed a shave in the worst way. Kitty had commented yesterday about his bristly cheek, and told him it was like kissing an S.O.S pad. He just hadn't felt like shaving. He looked at
the dark circles under his eyes. The babies had constantly kept him awake with their kicking lately. He smiled.
"You really must get more rest, mein friend. After all, you are sleeping for four." He thought as he raked the razor across his face.
His face. High distinctive cheekbones. Sharp cleft chin. Well chiseled and cut. Full lips. A face Kitty constantly told him would make him a male model, if blue-skinned mutants were accepted. Framed with
black-violet hair. He stared, the resembelance finally becoming evident to him.
"Mein Gott." He realized. "It's Logan's face." And truthfully, it was. Despite being covered with blue fuzz and younger, it was really indisputable. Kurt was not quite as muscular, and he was taller, but still.......
"Kurt?" came Kitty's voice again. "Are you sure you're alright? You've been in there for almost an hour! You're not sick, are you?" She asked frantically.
Kurt looked toward the door. As annoying as Kitty's questions were becoming, he still loved her for them. He smiled. "I am finished, dear, just shaving." He shouted back as he rinsed the remaining shaving cream from
his face. He opened the door to find his wife's questioning chestnut eyes staring back at him.
"Oh, Kurt." Kitty said, wrapping him up in her arms. She raised her head, kissing him on the cheek and then planting a kiss on his stomach. She looked back into his eyes. "Are you sure you're o.k.? You weren't in there
throwing up or anything, were you?" Kitty asked worridly. "And don't lie! I know you, Mr. Wagner. Don't lie just to keep me from worrying."
Kurt closed his eyes and smiled, gathering her in his arms. "I feel fine, sweetheart. I was just taking a bath. The hot water felt so good, I guess I just lost track of time, that's all." He smiled, drowsiness creeping in his voice.
Kitty smiled, satisfied but still worried. Kurt still looked pale, and he seemed weak. "Well, let's get you four to bed." She said, wrapping one arm around his back and resting her free hand on his abdomen, guiding him down the
hallway to their bedroom. "I want you to take it extremely easy, mister. Do you hear me?"
Kurt nodded, sleep playing with his eyelids. "Ja. I would love nothing more than to get off of my feet for a little while." He said wearily as they walked through the bedroom door.
Closing the door behind her, Kitty turned down the sheets and pulled the blinds. "I don't want anyone to disturb you, understand? I don't care who it is or what they want. Your health comes first." She said sternly as she lowered
Kurt onto their bed.
Kurt didn't argue as he usually would, didn't even answer with words. The pregnancy was making him more and more tired as time went on. And why not? Carrying triplets wasn't easy for a woman, much less a man. He merely nodded,
and lay flat on his back, sighing in relief as the bed cradled his tired body.
As Kitty proceeded to plump up his pillow, Kurt propped himself up on his elbows, his eyes looking to Kitty.
"Kitty?" Kurt asked.
"Yes, baby." She returned as placed the pillow back in its spot. Her eyes, so warm and loving, looked to Kurt. She knew all too well what was on his mind. She knew that it was something that had to be dealt with. But she also knew that her
husband was in no condition to be facing this right now. She smiled, waiting for Kurt to ask the question she already knew was coming.
"What about?" he stopped, then proceeded. "What about Logan?"
Kitty's face melted into a pool of worry and confusion. She wanted so desperately to answer. But how? She herself wasn't sure how this should be handled. And poor Kurt, he had been sitting on top of this bombshell for a week. She took a deep
breath, saying the only thing she could. "I wish I knew." She stroked his hair, looking intently at the man she loved with all her heart. "God, why did she do this?! Why, of all times, did mama Mystique decide to be honest with you!
She's pure evil! Even when she tells the truth she fucks everything up!!" Kitty regained her composure, not wanting to upset Kurt. He surely didn't need another episode like the one he had earlier this week. She took another deep breath
looking at her husband. His eyes, so desperate, so full of pain.
"Darling, I know this has to be dealt with, and I know that there is no easy way out of this,but..." She stopped, resting her head on Kurt's chest and rubbing his belly. "I really think this needs to be put on the back burner until later."
Kurt leaned flat on his back once more, his mind tired. "How much later?" He asked, stroking Kitty's hair. "I want to do the right thing, Kitty, whatever that may be. I wish I knew." Kurt grabbed Kitty tighter. "My decision is going to affect all
involved, not just me. But you, our children, our friends, and especially Logan." Kurt could feel tears in his eyes. "If I tell him, it would change his life forever. I'm not sure for the better or worse. If I don't..." He choked, "Then Logan will
never know the past he's so longed to obtain, and I will have not only lost my father once, but twice."
Kitty raised up, looking down at Kurt. Laying on the bed, so very, very pregnant. His face so tormented. No, she didn't know what to tell him, but she did know what Kurt needed right now. She placed a finger to Kurt's lips to hush them. She smiled.
"Kurt, listen to me. Let's put one thing at a time. We have a long ordeal ahead of us. We will get through this. It's going to be a long road, I know. But if there is anything that I have learned, it's the fact that, as long as we have each other, we
will be invincible, as always." She blinked back her own tears, hoping her words gave Kurt some hope and rested his heart. "Kurt?" She turned to her husband, realizing that he didn't answer.
She looked into Kurt's face. "No wonder, the poor dear is fast asleep." She looked at him. He seemed to be resting soundly, better than he had in a while. His chest moving up and down in rhythm with his steady breathing. Kitty stroked his hair. "Sleep tight,
my love. Get as much rest as possible." She whispered to him as she kissed him on the cheek.
******************
The sun glistening off the snow burned his eyes as he walked into the courtyard of the mansion. Despite the bright blue sky and the fact that the snow was starting to melt, it was still bitterly cold, and the wind chilled him, even through his heavy parka.
"Cold, just like my heart." Hank McCoy thought to himself as he proceeded to brush the snow off the wrought-iron bench. Sitting down, he looked ahead at the edge of the mansion grounds.
Just a few feet ahead of him, cardinals were feeding off the seeds Betsy had put out for them. A little further ahead, he could see two rabbits headed for the thick forests, leaving nothing but tiny prints behind. "How unfair." He thought, "Despite all the
crisises I face, life goes on. Normal, for some." Hank buried his head in his hands, stricken with grief. For his endangered friend, for himself. This dark road he walked these past seven months. Had he indeed become the dreaded dark beast?
"I had the best of intentions." He told himself. Somehow, this little pep talk wasn't working. After all, the road to hell was paved with good intentions. Hank allowed his eyes to wander to one of the top windows of the mansion. The window to Kurt and Kitty's
quarters. His heart slammed with shame and remorse, yet his eyes refused to tear themselves away from that window. He knew, just beyond those glass panes, lay a very sick and possibly dying young man. A man who loved his family so much he was willing to take any
risk to have a second chance. Hank slowly removed his eyes and focused on the ground in front of him. McCoy was a scientist. He didn't just run from a problem like this. But, what more was there to do? Why, amongst all of his knowledge, could he not help Kurt?
Hank's attention was grabbed by the faint crunching of snow. Somebody was making their way toward him. In his disgust, however, he decided not to look up. He would only acknowledge their prescence when necessary. Right now, he wanted some time to wallow in his
own self-pity. Realizing that the footsteps stopped in front of him, he looked up to meet their owner.
"Hey der, doc." Shoulder length reddish hair and red on black eyes stared at him. "What de matter? You look like someone shot yer dog." The cajun laughed as he lit a cigarette.
Hank's face shot back an annoyed, aggravated expression. He came out here to be alone, to think. Not to exchange dim-witted phrases with Remy. Hank bit himself back. This was, after all, one of his friends, his "family". No need to bite their heads off for his
fuck-up. "Please, Remy. If you don't mind." He turned away. "I'd rather be alone. Thanks anyway."
Remy sat down beside Hank. He took another drag off his cigarette. "Dat's it, Lebeau. Play de cards, just like ol' Sinister wants." He thought to himself as a smile played across his lips. "Sure, I understand." Remy said, placing a hand on Hank's shoulder.
"But if ya need a friend, ol Remy right here. Like always. Come on, Blue, you make Remy sad to see you like dis." Remy questioned with mock concern.
Hank smiled wainly. "No, Remy. There's nothing anyone can do. Not a damned thing." He said quietly.
Remy smiled. Kurt's situation must be more serious than he initially thought. "Perfect." Remy said to himself. "The hook's been baited. Sinister's just gotta reel in his catch." Remy shook his head. "How do ya know I can't help? You don't know, I don't know,
if you don't tell me." Remy pried, laying on his charm thick.
Hank's expression grew sad once more. "No, how I wish you could, my friend. But..." He looked into the Cajun's eyes. There was nothing he could do, but there was one thing Remy might be able to assist him with.
"Do you really want to do something for me?" Hank said, his blue eyes so full of emotion.
Remy nodded. "Anything." He said sincerely.
"All my life, I have put my faith in science, in tangiable properties. Only those things which I could measure with a test tube or experiment. I had the utmost faith in physics, in chemistry and medicine." Tears were welling and he looked away from Remy.
"I feel that my faith may have been ill-placed. These dieties of science fail me now. Tell me, Remy, are you a religious man?"
Remy shook his head. "I don't consider myself no saint."
"But.." Hank asked, "Do you believe in a higher power?"
Remy nodded. "Oui. Remy do."
"Then do me a favor. Pray to that higher being, be it my God or another. It's the only hope I have now." Hank wiped his eyes, doing his best to gather himself. Hank rose to his feet, walking silently back toward the mansion, leaving Remy in his place on the bench.
Remy shouted for him. "Say, where you go? Don't walk away from me!" Remy shouted, acting as though his friend's grief bothered him.
Hank span around to answer. "I'm going back to the medlab. I'll be there all night, if anyone needs me." Hank resumed his walk toward the mansion. Hearing the front door close, Remy smiled to himself, satisfied with how well all the pieces were falling in place
for him.
"So, de good doctor be in all day and night, eh?" He laughed to himself. "Looks like Sinister can get an appointment for dis afternoon, non?"
*****************
"Kurt, please! Just one more plate?" Kitty begged Kurt as she tried to force a fourth helping of Rogue's lasagna down his throat.
Kurt laughed. "Please, Kitty! I beg you, no more!" He grabbed both of her hands, kissing them. He loved their time alone, especially with the future they faced.
"I haven't the room!"
"But," Kitty said, looking down at the cheese-ladened casserole. "You've lost so much weight, and I've been so worried, and cheese is so fattening!! And it would be
good for you and our babies!! And you slept through lunch and dinner and, and...." Kitty babbled on and on, making Kurt burst out in hysterical laughter.
"Kitty, leibling," Kurt smiled. There was worry in her voice and her nervous smile. He took a deep breath. "If it means that much to you, I will eat every last crumb."
Kurt said lovingly as he took the plate from her. Her worried scowl melted into a smile of satisfaction. She rose from her seat and walked toward the sink, scrubbing the
caked up lasagna out of the pyrex pan.
Kurt's eyes stared ahead in thought. "Kitty?"
"Yes, dear?" She answered as she became frustrated with the scuzzed over dish. With a frown, she plunked it back into the dish water. "I'll just let that soak." She thought
to herself.
"I have been thinking. You know. About Logan." Kurt rasped.
Kitty sighed. Her eyes fell on her husband sitting at the table. "I thought we agreed, we would handle this later."
"You agreed. I fell asleep before I could answer, remember?" Kurt chuckled.
Kitty shook her head, taking the seat next to her husband. "Kurt, please. I know how desperate you are to handle this, but please think of yourself and our children right now."
Kitty rubbed his back. "You're in no condition at all for this kind of stress. Didn't that little wave earlier this week teach you anything? Please, sweetheart, we'll deal with
this later."
Kurt groaned in bliss as Kitty's partially-phased fingers kneaded the tight muscles in his shoulders. "And how much later should that be, leibling? Never?" Kurt asked.
Kitty thought a minute. Did he mean that sarcastically? She ignored his intentions. "If you decide never, then so be it. Or, if you do decide that telling him is the thing to do,
I was thinking sometime after the babies are born and you are alot less pregnant." Kitty rested her head on Kurt's shoulder.
Kurt stared blankly in thought. "I'm going to tell him." He stated flatly.
Kitty lifted her head off Kurt's shoulder. "What?" she managed to spit out.
Kurt took Kitty in his arms. He was tired, irritated, but he would not take his ill mood out on her. He loved her, and she was his strength. He knew that she was doing only
what any loving mother and wife would do.
"Don't you see? It's the right decision. For better or worse, Logan has the right to know. Who he was, what he was. I have no right to keep that from him, regardless of the
consequences. The sooner, the better." Kurt said with finality.
Kitty's face split with a frown. "Kurt, you know that I support your decision, whatever it may be. But like I said. WAIT UNTIL OUR BABIES ARE BORN!! You are not going to make
yourself sick. Understand?" She scolded.
Kurt bit his tongue. He didn't want to loose his temper. Not with her. Not right now. Not risk making himself ill. He closed his eyes, allowing his intitial anger to subside.
"Kitty, I am fine. Right as rain. If you can call a pregnant man that." He said, trying to take the edge off of his emotions with a joke. "Mystique's intitial revelation caught me
off guard, that's all. But I have had time to think, to learn to accept. The shock has past, Kitty." Kurt forced her to look into his eyes. "Putting this off isn't going to make it any
easier. The sooner this is out, the better."
Kitty rolled her eyes. "Kurt, Logan has waited all his life. Who knows how long that's been? You have waited all your life. That's 28 years. What harm is there in waiting another two
months? I want to take care of you and our babies, Kurt." Kitty said.
"Kitty, you don't understand. I am doing this for our children. Please." He said, those golden eyes pleading with her. "It's very important. You know that."
Kitty looked into his face. She could see his hope, his dismay. "O.K. Your right. But we will do this together."
"No, Kitty." Kurt disagreed. "Lord in heaven knows I love you. You are my strength, my life. But this is one thing I must do on my own. Do you understand?" Kurt asked, hoping Kitty
could see that.
Kitty nodded. She loved him, wanted to protect him. Now more than ever. But, deep in her heart, she knew Kurt was right about this. She swallowed hard. "Yes. Yes, I know. But I love
you! I just don't want you hurt!!"
Kurt smiled. "Kitty, I have prepared myself for all the possibilities. Surely you know that I am stronger than that?"
Kitty smiled. "I know, I know all too well. But still." She snuggled up to him. "So, when do you plan to tell him?"
Kurt sighed. "Tommorrow morning. Right after breakfast."
Kitty bit her bottom lip. After going through this in her mind, she agreed. "Yes. O.K. Tommorrow morning." They were silent for a long
time, enjoying being in each others arms.
"Kurt?" Kitty broke the silence.
"Yes, my love?" Kurt said.
"You're my life, you and our babies." she said.
Kurt smiled. "As are you, my dear." He returned.
********************
Worried blue eyes scanned over the data, just as they had so many other times before. For some reason, Hank felt compeled to read the same
results over and over again, looking for some solution he prayed he may have overlooked before.
But no matter how much he sorted through Kurt's test results, no matter how many times he looked, that glimmer of hope faded as the too-obvious
truth stared back at him.
"Damn!" Hank shouted to himself, slamming a strong fist in frustration on his desk. His determination once again gave way to hopelessness. The
EKG Hank took of Kurt at this morning's examination was his worst yet, and Hank knew that things were not going to get any better.
"If only there were some way to end this. If there were some way to terminate Kurt's pregnancy. But there is none. It has to go to term. It is
a one way road." He rested his head in his folded arms on his desk. "No way at all. And even if there was a way, there is no way Kurt would even
consider it. He would gladly give his life for these children." Hank did the only thing he felt logical that was left to do. He cried.
Hank was a man who had once seen the impossible obstacles as fascinating challenges to overcome. And he did. He overcame them all. Except this
one. Yes, this was the one obstacle that would do him in. He went against everything he was taught as a doctor to prove his scientific genius.
And now he must pay for it. He wiped the tears from his eyes with the heal of his right hand, not so sure anymore as to whether he wept for Kurt
or for himself.
He looked around him. Here, in his medlab surrounded by Shiar technology that could do everything but raise the dead. Yet, it could save Hank
from his sin. He shook his head and returned to sobbing in his arms.
The silent atmosphere of the medlab was broken by a slight shuffle behind him. Startled, he wiped his eyes to face the intruder.
"So, McCoy. Are these crocodile tears you shed for your ill friend?" the figure asked, red eyes glowering from it.
Hank stood in shock. No, it couldn't be. "Sinister." Hank managed to breathe out. "How?"
Sinister chuckled, casually taking the seat on the other side of Hank's desk. "How did I manage to make my way here? Past the security system? Oh, come now,
McCoy! Surely you know this is one of the easier tasks I have accomplished." He sneered, taking a handful of mints from the candy dish on the desk with one
pale, clawed hand. "May I?" He sarcastically asked as he helped himself, placing the candy into his festering mouth and allowing his red eyes to pierce McCoy's
soul.
Hank felt nothing but hatred and hot rage for the being before him. He stood to his feet in defiance. "Get out." He said simply. "Get out before I escort you
out myself!!"
Sinister merely gave him a look of mock dissappointment. "Now, now, McCoy! Is that any way to treat the man whom is about to help you with your problem?"
He asked calmly, a wicked sneer painting his face.
McCoy's face gave a look of question. "What? What problem? What are you talking about?" Hank asked, his mind a flurry of questions.
"Now, McCoy, please!!" Sinister stood to his feet, growing dramatic. "We are both men of science!! Geniuses of design!! I am here merely to offer my services to you!
I am here to help with your little experiment!!"
Hank paused. Searching for the words to say. "What experiment? What are you talking about?"
Sinister returned to his seat. "Still playing dumb, eh? You know very well of which I speak." He was quiet a minute, and a wide grin showed a mouth full of fangs.
"The teleporter."
Hank stood in shock. He was angered, enraged. "How did you know?"
Sinister laughed. "Oh, please, McCoy! I have my sources!! As a scientist myself, I have been most intrigued by Kurt Wagner's pregnancy. Imagine!! A male carrying
fetuses to term? Why, I have watched Wagner as closely as you yourself have!!" He laughed once more, then grew solemn. "I must say, this little number has given
even me a run for my money. I must admit, I am quite jelous. Why, we are cut from the same cloth, you and I." Sinister arose from his chair again, gesturing toward
Hank with one hand. "I certainly cannot allow a brother in arms to allow such work to flop, can I?" He grinned.
Hank was enraged once more. "How dare you!!" He started, walking toward Sinister. "How dare you compare me to you!!I am nothing like you!! NOTHING!!" Hank screamed at him.
But what angered Hank the most was knowing fully well what Sinister had just said was partially true.
Sinister's face grew emotionless. "Now, McCoy. There's nothing wrong with being on the dark side of things!! We are all evil, but most are afraid to embrace it as we do."
He placed an arm around McCoy, causing the mutant's skin to crawl. "Besides, you know very well what I offer you far outweighs your hate for me."
Hank looked down at his feet. Has it come to this? Was he really becoming a man like Sinister? What other choice did he have now? After all, Kurt's life and his unborn
children's lives were in the balance. Only Hank could tip them in Kurt's favor, and Sinister would have to be the weight that would do that.
It was the only way. He swallowed back his bitterness and made his gaze back to the white skinned devil before him.
"Oh, please." Hank said pathetically. "Help me. Please." Hank was begging now, and fell to a pile before Sinister's feet. "It's too late for me now, but not for Kurt, not for
his children. I'll do anything. Anything at all. For God's sake, HELP THEM!!" He pleaded, looking up into Sinister's face.
"Of course! Of course!! I am at your service!! I already have the solution lined out. I assure you, Wagner and his children will be safe." He smiled.
"Well, then?" Hank asked, rising back to his feet. "What is it? Tell me!" Hank insisted.
"Tsk, tsk. Soon. Now is not the proper time." Sinister said, stroking his goatee.
Hank was confused. "But you said..."
"Yes, and I have every intention of helping you. But not right now. Soon, when the time is right, I will appear before you again. I will know when the time
is right."
Hank nodded. "I don't understand? When will that be?"
Sinister shook his head. "Best not to say too much. All will be revealed to you. Every last detail."
Hank slumped back into his chair, a mixture of relief and regret sweeping over him.
Sinister made his way to the medlab door, giving Hank one final glance. "I will see myself out. Oh, and McCoy?"
Hank looked up. "Yes?"
"You do know my services do not come without a price?" Sinister asked.
Hank swallowed hard. With Sinister, there was always a price, wasn't there? "Yes, I am fully aware."
"And, I can count on you to keep your word on it's payment upon rendition of my service?" Sinister asked.
Hank nodded. "Yes, whatever it takes. It will be paid. My word." Hank said.
"I'm sure. We will be seeing each other. Shortly. " His evil smile burned into Hank's memory as he walked out the
medlab door.
"My God." Hank said to himself. "What have I done?"
****************
Remy Lebeau waited patiently for his master. Hew wasn't worried. He knew Sinister well. He would arrive with his
payment. Soon.
The cold air at the edge of Breakstone Lake chilled him to the bone. Soon, he would have his reward. The Cajun's work
would be done. And he and the love of his life would be together forever.
"I see you awaited patiently?" Sinister asked as he met Remy in their usual spot.
Remy nodded nervously. "Oui. Did exactly as ya asked. How did it go?" Remy asked, more concerned with his payment that
Sinister's mission.
Sinister smiled in satisfaction. "Smoother than anticipated. I must say, Lebeau, you've done excellent work. Work, for which now
you will be handsomely rewarded." Sinister said, producing a vial with an ominous, glowing green liquid.
Remy's eyes lit up. "Is dat it?" He gasped, reaching for the vial. "Will dat do it?"
"Yes, my boy. At long last, you will be able to touch your precious Rogue." Sinister promised.
"Forever?" Remy asked.
"Till death do you part. You have my word." Sinister said, tossing him the vial.
"So, what do I do wit it?" Remy asked, holding it up to the light to inspect it.
"Tommorrow morning, you must drink this vial. After 24 hours, you will be able to touch her, hold her,
be with her in every sense of the word." He said.
Remy smiled. His lifelong dream would soon be reality. He looked at Sinister gratefully, running back toward
the mansion with his prize.
"Yes." Sinister said to himself, watching the young man leave. "Till death do you part."
