AN: Damn, Remy is giving me problems writing him. So, instead of his scheduled appearance here, I moved him back a chapter, and shoved this forward again. Blasted Cajun. Thanks to Rhapsody for the constant inspiration, and to SLH for the title note. :) And to everyone else for being nice reviewers.
Why did that girl get to me? What was in her that has created this drive? I have tolerated failures and losses before. Now, however, I cannot seem to move past that girl's death. Or was the girl just a catalyst to force me to no longer rest on my achievements?
Trailing her toes in the koi pond Logan built earlier in the year, Ororo sat and contemplated the past few months. She created a light breeze to keep the hair off her face, and leaned back on her hands to allow the full effect of the air to rush over her. It was calming, that light breeze. Although she knew the power of the winds, the light gusts caused her the most joy. Dressed in a light summer dress, she sat and attempted to fully sort out her feelings and problems before returning to the mansion.
Perhaps in that brief second we made eye contact, I saw myself in that girl. Young, scared, knowing that she held power, but unsure what to do with it. I would like to say that I am past that, but am I? I fight for the "greater good," only to turn around and have my work undone by someone more powerful than I. I have limitations. Maybe that is why I cannot seem to beat Logan. Or maybe it is because I am playing into his hands. There must be a way.
"Hey, 'Ro." Returning from a walk in the woods, Logan happened to smell Storm's presence by the pond, and decided to come and sit with her.
"Good evening, Logan. What brings you here?"
Logan took off his shoes, placed his right foot in the water, and his left arm around Ororo before choosing to answer.
"Well, Goddess…"
"Do not call me that."
Puzzled, Logan cocked his head to the side, and looked into her eyes. "What?"
"Do you know what the difference between myself and a goddess is, Logan?"
"What's that?"
"A goddess is infallible. They cannot make mistakes. I, however, am more than capable of doing so."
"Storm, that's what makes ya human."
Looking away from Logan, Ororo chose to focus on the lone fish nibbling at her toes. "No. That is what makes me a bad leader."
Taking the side of her chin, Logan forced her to look at him, rather than avoid this confrontation. "I don't follow ya. You're a damn good leader, and one little screw-up does not change that. Ya can't beat yourself up over this girl. It's over. She's dead. Ya ever gonna bury her and move on?"
Bracing an arm on his broad chest, Storm shoved Logan to arm's length. "That is not…"
"Listen. The reason you can't elude me in the Danger Room is that ya think too much. Trying to analyze everythin' that passes by ya. If you would shut off that, ya might have room to notice that I'm gonna fire. I know that you've gotta devote half your brain to keeping your emotions in check and all, but did you ever think about what you're doing with the other half?"
Storm was silent for a moment, absorbing what Wolverine had told her. Taking a deep breath, she drew her legs up, and rested her chin on her knees before continuing.
"The problem of leadership is not within me, Logan. I am a goddess to the team. Infallible. So, I do not get questioned like I should, nor am I allowed the opportunity to move past a mistake. Evidently, I am a goddess, so a perceived mistake should be covered with as much coddling as possible to not destroy my 'fragile ego.'"
Logan reached around and drew Ororo into a hug. "When are you gonna realize that you are no longer controlling your emotions, your emotions are controlling you?"
Before she could retort, he stood and left.