Division of Loyalty
McCoy's Apartment
"You get a real kick out of doing this don't you Logan?" muttered McCoy.
Nobody was daring to make a move all knowing that if they twitched so much as a muscle, the Dark Beast would be the proud owner of an impromptu tracheotomy. It seemed that Logan didn't find McCoy's sarcastic comment in the least bit amusing as he growled deep in his throat and extended the middle claw, pressing it lightly against the furry throat. The adamantium lightly pricked the skin and a single drop of blood showed crimson on the gleaming metal. As McCoy's yellow eyes blinked in sudden fear and Logan grinned broadly, wolfishly.
"Now shaggy yer going ta be a good boy and not make any more of ya wise-ass remarks or yer going ta die. Yer treading on thin ice as it so don't give me an excuse, just tell me what I want ta know and maybe, just maybe I'll spare yer life,"
"Well when a man's holding sharp metal to your throat it tends to loosen the tongue and promote honesty so I'll tell you this. Remy has chosen to join me of his own free will and he isn't being coerced in any way, shape or form. I simply offered him a home, a family and a purpose, the things the X-Men gave him until they cruelly abandoned him to a slow death in Antarctica. Having nobody else he owed loyalties too Remy accepted,"
"Oui mon ami, dat is de truth,"
Logan glared deep into the yellow eyes and then looked into those red on black eyes, now both McCoy and Remy were extremely devious but Logan was good at rooting out lies. As far as he could tell they were speaking the truth, anyway a man of McCoy's intellect would have known better than to lie to him when his life would be forfeit for doing so. For a moment he considered extending the claw further, doing the world a favor by ridding it off the sick bloodthirsty monster that was Dark Beast. No he couldn't kill the man in cold blood, he might be a killer but he wasn't a murderer. Logan retracted his claws and stepped back, McCoy nearly falling to his knees as the tension in the room turned to relief.
"Yeah I didn't agree ta what my friends did; we shouldn't have left ya behind like that. Yeah ya did wrong and ya hid it from us but we should have forgiven ya, I mean yer crime's nothing compared ta some of the things I've done. I just wanted ta make sure ya were safe Remy, wanted ta look out fer ya, even if nobody else cared. Ya might not have been my best buddy but ya were a friend and I wouldn't abandon ya," whispered Logan and for once his tone was almost tender.
"Nice to see that at least one X-Men isn't hypocritical and still believes in forgiveness and redemption. You still seek to protect your friend as well and that I do admire. Logan I have no quarrel with you, let's shake hands shall we and agree to a truce eh," McCoy thrust out his hand.
Logan just stared at the large gray furred hand for almost a minute but in the end he shook. McCoy applied just a little pressure and Logan was reminded just how strong the man was it seemed there wasn't any malice intended just that this was a firm handshake. The Dark Beast was smiling now, the effect slightly marred by his sharp canines and unusually Logan couldn't sense any deceit in the eyes. Still better not to trust him entirely, McCoy despite his bestial looks was probably one of the most intelligent men alive. Logan was smart enough to know that and to be careful, trying to match your wits against McCoy was about as smart as putting your hand in an alligator's mouth.
"You are welcome to come and join us for a while Logan, maybe to set your mind at ease that I intend Remy no harm. You may also have my assurances that I have no desire for further conflict with the X-Men unless they give me course. Unlike some of your enemies I don't pursue foolish vendettas that I have no chance of winning. If Scott Summers stays out of my way I'll stay out of his."
"Maybe I'll take ya up on yer generous offer McCoy. However I'm going ta tell em about yer return Remy, I reckon they deserve ta know ya still alive, Ororo and Rogue have been worried sick about ya. Rogue's never been able ta forgive herself fer abandoning ya; she's left now ta try ta find peace. Are ya sure yer not coming back?" asked Logan looking Remy in the eyes.
"Non mon ami, de X-Men's dream has never really been Remy's, Remy know dat dere is only shades of gray and dat de dream of peace while nice is not dat likely. Remy afraid also dat while he understand de anger, he cannot forgive dat de woman dat he loved left him to die, tell Rogue dat dere can be no forgiveness and Remy is sorry dat dis is so. Though Logan mon ami, you are de one dat I can forgive s'il vous plait?"
Remy's head was bowed; the red on black eyes closed and his voice low, almost trembling as though he was having to fight back tears. Logan patted him on the shoulder nodded once and turned to leave, pausing suddenly as he was interrupted by McCoy's polite cough. Growling a little under his breath he turned and frowned as McCoy beckoned him forward. The gray furred man smiled and whispered so quietly that even Logan had to strain to hear it.
"You may not know this but Remy did regret his decision at the time and tried to atone. He could do little but he did manage to save one little Morlock girl, her name was Sarah but you know her as Marrow. Tell her them this, that Remy was the one to save her. Yes I've always been fond of little Marrow; I was the one who blessed her little crusade just as I fully approve what she does now. Well goodbye Logan, I expect you'll give the X-Men a lot to think about."
"Yer right bub. Be seeing ya Remy," growled Logan. He turned and walked out of the room, half expecting the others to attack him but he was allowed to leave unchallenged.
"Remy going to take some air mes amis," muttered the Cajun. McCoy smiled and waved him off.
Scratching his furry chin Dark Beast pondered his next move. The obvious thing would be to find more information about there new enemy and fortunately the Strucker twins would probably be only too willing to tell them after a little persuasion. He knew just the person for the job.
"Martinique would you be a dear and have a little chat with Fenris, dig deep and find out everything. Do it any way you like."
"It will be my pleasure," purred Mastermind, a chilling smile playing on her lips.
"Excellent," growled McCoy. Nodding in satisfaction he decided he'd go and join Remy, it was time that they did a little bonding.
Nearby rooftop, a little later
Remy and McCoy were standing on the rooftop both rather tired at the moment from that grueling battle with Sabretooth. Normally just leaping from roof to roof, scrabbling up a wall or two would have been effortless for beings with their agility. As it was they were both rather out of breath. Still Remy had been impressed by McCoy's sheer grace as he'd turned to see him following the exact same course. Actually Remy knew McCoy would normally be even faster and more agile than he was, just that his wounds were slowing him down. Still the view was well worth their effort gazing out upon the bustling New York cityscape with the streets full of traffic and people all in the usual frantic rush of everyday urban life, going about their petty lives. Over in the distance Remy could spot a familiar red and blue figure swinging from building to building, just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man on his way to stop another crime. Superheroes were another part of everyday life and nobody really took any notice unless it was something really major like Onslaught.
Remy chose instead now to take a good look at McCoy, just see if he could get his measure and not just think of him as being Hank's evil twin. Actually when you got to know him there were certain habits they had in common, the use of the phrase 'stars and garters', the wit and humor in their speech even if a little more sarcastic and ironic in McCoy's case and the frequent consumption of Twinkies. In a way Dark Beast represented what Hank might have, could have become and like Creed McCoy was Hank's dark reflection. Both he and Creed represented what there mirrors could have become if they'd lost the humanity. Just another example that the world was never black and white just shades of gray.
The thing that struck Remy was despite having the same sort of apelike build as Hank, McCoy brought to mind something far more sinister than a gorilla, a werewolf perhaps or some other old legend. The fur was the main thing, gray rather than blue and coarse looking although just as soft to the touch as Hanks, not that you'd want to stroke him. It was surprising as well just how large the man appeared seeming to loom over Remy even though he was a couple of inches shorter. Like Hank he was bulky, three hundred plus pounds of solid muscle and despite the bulk he moved gracefully like a predator. Yes he definitely looked more lupine than simian, the sharp canines still slightly visible even with his mouth closed, the claws on his fingers and toes, the little spines on his shoulders and the gleaming yellow eyes. The hair was different from Hank's as well, grown long and shaggy to his shoulders, muttonchops nearly as impressive as Logan's and only his beard seemed neatly trimmed. Still Remy thought, maybe personal grooming isn't as big a priority when you're a mad scientist.
Still the man does have a certain presence, even beauty perhaps in the same way that one can admire a tiger or wolf's beauty, perfect killing machines. He might be an intellectual but he's a lethal fighter probably my equal almost as deadly as Sabretooth. If he'd been looking to kill me the first time he could well have succeeded, speed, agility, intelligence, maybe I come close but he's got the edge, strength definitely goes to him. His senses are sharp as well, hearing, smell, sight, touch sharper than mine. Think I envy him though, n'est ce pas, he doesn't have my good looks and charming personality! He's what maybe fifty or older but he's like Cable or Logan, he just gets meaner with age. Best to be careful matching wits with him too, he's as devious as I am. Merde, why is it that I find myself admiring this guy? He's a dangerous man but then so am I, maybe that's enough.
"Remy surprised dat you kept up so well mon ami, considering dese wounds," said Remy pointing to where blood still showed wetly against Dark Beast's fur.
"Oh I heal surprisingly quickly Remy and most of these are not as bad as they look. A day or two and I'll be fine. Then I'll really show you what I can do," purred Dark Beast grinning broadly.
You're still so young dear boy but already you're magnificent, I doubt you'd believe that I could feel well almost fatherly towards you. Perhaps it's because I can see you as an equal, so good to have someone whose intelligence and wits are a match for my own. Such potential power as well, a shame that it was spiraling out of control and had to be curtailed by Sinister but don't you worry Remy, I can enhance you slowly if that's what you want. Then we'll see just how strong you really are, strong enough perhaps to rid us of our mutual enemy? I must admit to a certain satisfaction to have you by my side, what a blow for the X-Men that the one they turned away may become one of their bitterest foes. How will Essex feel when he discovers that his golden boy now works with me? No Remy you have a home now, a family and a purpose. Like Emma Frost I've brought you under my protection and all I ask in return is that you will be my ally for now and perhaps in time a friend or even a son.
"You know Remy looking at the humans going about their mundane lives so little realizing that the world shall belong to us the mutants, homo sapiens superior and not them. I find I don't hate them, I mean does the wolf hate the deer? No I pity them Remy, they fear us because they know the truth, the rule of evolution is the survival of the fittest and the price for failure is extinction."
McCoy smiled and put his arm around Remy's shoulder in an avuncular manner. With his other hand he waved in the air indicating the city below.
"Well Remy, we're free to pursue any dreams we want now, to do anything we want to do, the only limit is just how you're prepared to go. Let me ask you though, are you angry with the X-Men Remy, do you want payback?"
"Oui Hank, Remy not wish dat de X-Men pay in blood but dey deserve to suffer for what deir hypocrisy, and dat dey abandoned one of deir own. Remy already have an idea dat might appeal to you,"
McCoy listened intently to Remy's plan, gave a broad grin and chuckled. Yes he'd enjoy it very much indeed.
Hellfire Club
"No Creed I don't blame you for the failure, after all you almost won, and it wasn't your fault that Logan showed up when he did. No I can forgive you for you have done nothing to displease me, not like Feral and Mountjoy who even now are repenting," purred Selene.
Creed listened to the screams coming far below and even he shuddered to think of the punishments they were suffering at the hands of Blackheart. Even he felt just a little disturbed by Selene sometimes.
"I still feel that I let ya down Selene and ya know I'd be willing ta do anything ta make it up ta ya," he growled.
Selene smiled at him and her hand slipped down the front of his shirt, caressing his chest. Crooking a finger she gestured him towards her bedroom, smiling invitingly. Well Creed would be only too happy to 'apologize' to her the way she had in mind. After all it's what he'd wanted all along.
"We shall spend an enjoyable evening together then you will rest and recuperate. Then you'll have a second chance and this time I have more suitable help in mind. Please me Creed and you'll be well on your way to becoming my Black King," she smiled and then gave a little sigh.
"It's such a pity that Andrea and Andreas aren't here as I'd love the pleasure of killing them myself."
"Don't ya worry darlin, I just bet ya that right now they're wishing they're dead," chuckled Creed.
Xavier Institute of Higher Learning
The pleasure at the news of Remy's return had soon turned to dismay and anger that he now seemed to have joined the enemy. Scott Summers had excused himself, his voice tight and controlled and once outside in the corridor they'd heard a howl of anguish. He'd been doing his best to lead the X-Men now that Xavier was gone but things had been so hard recently. Psylocke was sadly missed having sacrificed her telepathy to defeat the Shadow King once and for all, Maggot with them for a short time but gone now too, having joined Generation X. Rogue as well leaving out of guilt for abandoning the man she loved to die and to try and find herself. Logan's announcement that he'd be leaving temporarily to check that Remy would be safe had not gone down well at all. Jean had tried to persuade him to stay but he'd simply growled and muttered something about 'he was right damn it' and had left.
"I hate to admit it Scott but I don't blame Remy. We failed him Scott, we were hypocritical at best, we are about second chances after all and while grave Remy's crimes are as nothing compared to those of some of our members. We've forgiven Marrow after all and we offered Sabretooth redemption. Can any of us truly say we're pure, Rogue, Havok, Polaris, Psylocke, Angel and even Colossus have at one time been an enemy. Wolverine and Marrow killed many before they joined us, stars and garters, we failed him Scott and that's something I'll always feel guilty before,"
"Maybe you're right Hank, however its plain that Remy's not interested in our forgiveness or why would he have joined the enemy. No he's nothing but a traitor, an enemy and sadly we'll have to treat him that way," muttered Scott.
"A saying comes to mind old friend, the worst enemy can be the one you turned away," whispered Hank gently and patted Scott on the shoulder knowing that Cyclops too felt guilt and shame.
Ororo was crying now, huddled in a corner and just quietly sobbing.
"By the goddess, if I'd found him first maybe I could have persuaded him to return as I persuaded him to join us before. Oh Remy I forgave you long ago, I just hope one day you can forgive us for abandoning you."
Logan's room
"I wanted ya ta know this darlin, that Remy was the one who saved ya life in the Morlock tunnels. Now are ya sure about this, that ya want ta come and see him. Just ya be careful of Dark Beast, ya don't want ta end up in his clutches again, not now that ya got yer home with the X-Men,"
Marrow scowled and pulled out an annoying piece of bone that was protruding from her scalp. Absently she began digging under her fingernails with it. She'd never really felt at home with the X-Men especially not Storm. Now she was angry with them, Dark Beast was right, they were hypocrites preaching forgiveness but when they were the ones who were hurt they would just abandon a member. They'd taken her in, forgiven her crimes when they were far more monstrous than Remy's. How could Rogue save the man she loved from a quick death in a collapsing building then abandon him in the Antarctic without even a shirt to suffer a slow death from hunger and cold? No she wanted to see Dark Beast; maybe she should join his team instead of the X-Men. At least she knew that he liked her not like the X-Men.
"Please Logan I want to do this,"
"Well alright if that's what ya want. Flamin hell, Scott's going ta want my blood fer this," sighed Logan.
]
Still he'd always found it hard to resist a teenage girl looking at him with puppy dog eyes, even if she did have pink hair and bones growing randomly all over her body. Sarah smiled sweetly at him and Logan smiled back. Oh to hell with it, how could he resist that smile?
"Thanks Wolvie,"
"Yer welcome darlin; now let's get out of here before Cyke gets his panties in a twist."