* * *
My skin was alive with sensations as Ah drifted in that twilight region 'tween sleep an' wake. My mind focused endlessly on happier things, although Ah couldn't tell if it was supposed ta be a comfort or not. Ah saw Irene's face, hoverin' over me just like when Ah was a lil' kid, sick in bed. Kitty's face, blazin' with anger, defendin' Remy an' me. Kurt's gentle concern.
Ah saw Remy.
Most of all Ah saw him. Strange as it was, Ah wished fiercely ta go back ta the beginnin' an' tell him how Ah felt. Th' desire was a lump at the back o' my throat that Ah couldn't swallow past, no matter how much Ah wanted ta do it. It wouldn't have been difficult. Ah coulda done it any time before, Ah realized -- after we first met, when we were on th' road ta find Magneto, in that prison in Genosha, th' whole time we were in New Orleans, or even that Friday -- amazin' an horrible as it'd been -- when his lips moved down my skin an' his tongue found that ticklish spot on th' inside o' my right elbow.
What would we have done then? If Ah had just gasped out how much Ah needed him an' how scary that was, while th' feelin's exploded through my brain like fireworks.
But none o' that'd happened. Ah'd let the words flicker out inside. They blistered on my tongue. Instead o' sayin' anythin', Ah'd flipped him over, squeezin' his bare torso between my knees. Ah'd run my fingernails lightly up his stomach, feelin' the smooth muscles jump. Ah'd kissed him, openmouthed an' hungry. There was sweat on his skin an' the salt burned the corners o' my lips.
My eyes snapped open. There was a pain in my arm. Fuzzy head. Ah remembered. Mr. McCoy had given me somethin', a shot, ta relax me while the others -- Scott an' Ororo an' Kitty an' the Professor -- left ta find Remy. Ah struggled into a sittin' position. Ah was in the medical bay, muffled like a mummy in crisp, white sheets, padded up with pillows. Ah struggled out from under the blankets an' threw one leg over th' side o' the bed. Almost fell ta the ground. Whatever Mr. McCoy'd given me was still in my system. God, how long had Ah been out?"
Th' door slid back an' Jean hurried in. "Rogue, great news! Hank says that he's really close to..." Th' excited expression on her face faded into bothered confusion when she saw me. Ah was a damn sight -- half in bed with my hospital gown ridin' high up one thigh.
"Rogue, you're not supposed to be out of bed." Ah felt myself bein' gently lifted through th' air even though Jean was still lingerin' in the doorway.
"That's the problem with havin' a telepath for a nurse," Ah grumbled. Stubbornly, Ah swung both legs over th' edge.
Jean was at my side immediately. "Your IV is backed up," she said, all business. She straightened out a kink in the line. Th' pain in my arm disappeared.
"Ah haveta get outta here." Jean pressed her fingers into my wrist, calmly takin' my pulse. "Please, Jean?" Ah grabbed her free hand.
"Mr. McCoy said you weren't supposed to move. He's really close to figuring this thing out, Rogue. If you could only wait a little longer. He..."
The look on my face musta been what stopped her cold. "What if ya were me an' it was Scott?" Ah pleaded.
"I...Scott?" She looked gently pained an' Ah could tell Ah'd hit a nerve.
"Yeah. What if it was Scott...before. An' there was a chance that...well, that you wouldn't be able ta tell him all those things that ya did. If there was a chance that he'd gone and done somethin' dangerous an' stupid, just 'cause o' somethin' ya'd done." Ah smiled bitterly. "Dangerous an' stupid" just weren't in Scott's vocabulary, at least not together. Ah realized with a shock that that's what Ah'd liked so much about him for so long -- he would be th' kind o' person ta show ya how ta live your own life. But, he'd never judge. He'd never cruelly remind ya that ya were really livin' the life he'd chosen. It'd be a good life too, even if it wasn't any o' your own doin'. As long as Ah'd been around him, Ah never had ta bother ta figure myself out. But Remy forced ya ta know, or else ya could never take a stand again. Ya'd get sucked into his life an' never get out. It was a hard thing.
Ah missed him an' the ache was like air on an exposed burn. Ah swallowed hard.
"Scott?" Jean repeated faintly. "I...I don't know."
"Ah'm gettin' up from this bed," Ah told her coolly. "An' Ah'm gonna put my clothes on an' go. If ya want, ya can tell Mr. McCoy that Ah was gone before ya got here." Ah plucked out th' IV. Th' tiles were cold under my feet an' there was a definite draft up th' back o' my gown.
Jean shook her head. "It's no good. The cameras. Mr. McCoy'll know."
"Then he'll know." My head felt heavy with th' last wisps o' medicine. My clothes were folded neatly on a chair in the far corner o' the room. Ah walked over slowly an' pulled on my pants, socks an' shoes. No time for modesty, Ah stripped off th' gown quickly. Jean dropped her eyes an' reddened. Ah fastened my bra an' buttoned up my shirt.
"Wait!" Jean said as Ah moved unsteadily toward th' door.
"What is it?" Ah was tired an' heartsick. Ah didn't know how well Ah could fight her off if she tried ta stop me. But dammit if Ah wouldn't try at least.
"You can't go like that."
"Like what?" Ah asked miserably.
"Your tag's out. Here." She was at my back, her cool fingers brushed my neck. Somethin' else happened too -- my head cleared an' suddenly the ground felt a whole lot firmer under me.
"Thanks," Ah said. For Jean, it was a lot ta do. Sad an' frustratin' as it was ta think about, Ah knew she'd never dare ta rebel out loud.
"You're welcome."
Ah'd be lyin' if Ah said Ah gave the matter any more thought as Ah raced up toward th' Institute garage. They'd taken th' x-jet an' Ah was pretty grateful for that. Ah still needed ta log 80 hours more on the flight simulator before they'd even think o' lettin' me touch the thing, but drivin' the van was no problem, even if Ah did feel just a tiny twinge o' regret that Logan'd taken his motorcycle.
Ah started th' engine an' flicked on the GPS tracker. Three dots -- one larger, th' x-jet, headin' north, an' two smaller. One was Kurt, still for th' moment, an' the other was Logan. Ah wondered what would happen when all th' dots met up. Figured it'd be nothin' good. Ah pushed th' clutch in an' shifted, pressin' harder on the gas than Ah'd planned. The van leapt forward, tires screechin' down the driveway.
* * *
Got as far as a clump of scrub bushes before I threw up. Kurt made a sympathetic noise and patted me on de back.
"You get used to it," he promised.
"Mebbe I don't want t' get used t' it, neh?"
"This way!" Moreau snapped impatiently. He fooled wit' a cluster of rocks and underbrush, exposing a dark hole and stairs leading down into de darkness.
"Zis takes us into ze house?" Kurt asked warily.
"This takes us into the lab," Moreau pointed out. "So you either come now or not at all." He was nervous. Dere were beaded drops of sweat on his upper lip.
Long as I live I'll never forget dat trip. De passageway was natural, but parts had been widened. Dere were no lights installed so I picked out a good sized branch, giving de tips a charge so dey burst into flame. De unsteady light glanced off de rough edges of de rock, making de walls look like dey were moving in and out - breathing. All around our feet, shadows gathered and shook like wet ink.
Concentrated on putting one foot in front of de other. De tunnel seemed t' go on forever.
"I discovered in the course of my work in Genosha that every mutant has dual levels of potential," Moreau said suddenly. "The first is naturally occurring, often appearing with puberty, but the second stage, frequently a higher level manifestation of the mutant's existing powers, must be triggered externally. I think that once I attach the collar and find Mr. LeBeau's trigger, that will prove to be the key to removing it."
Felt a jolt of panic, remembering de exploding safety razor from my youth. What if I hurt someone? Dere was a time when I couldn't even avoid hurting myself wit' de powers.
"I see," Kurt said. "At least I think I do. Because ze metal is organic..."
"Think of it as a kind of parasite, if it helps. A very effective parasite. It derives its own energy from the host without significant weakening beyond the negation of mutant powers. And it protects itself in any way necessary to prevent extraction."
"But if you give it too much energy, zen its hold should loosen."
"Theoretically."
My throat was dry, and dat wasn't just theoretically.
Moreau held de torch out in front of him, revealing a heavy, metal door. Wit' some effort he slid back de deadlock and pushed t'rough.
De brightness was overwhelming. Closed my eyes while orange and magenta ghosts of light danced.
"If you'll have a seat, we can begin," Moreau told me. Gingerly, I sat in de examination chair. It looked like somet'ing from de dentist's office. "This shouldn't hurt," he said. My ears, practiced in finding lies, heard de uncertainty in his voice. Closed my eyes and de next t'ing I felt was a weight settle across my neck. "Kurt, could you bring me those clamps, please?"
"Zis?"
"Yes. Hurry now. This is only a mild current to stimulate the metal's activity level."
De band on my neck shifted and I felt a tingle like static. It moved again against my skin. Centipede legs crawling over my neck. Felt a shriek rising into my mouth, but I swallowed it at de last second. Den tearing and a sharp pain. I guessed de spikes were in my skin. My back arched under me. "Doctor..." Kurt warned.
"I know. He's moving too much. I'll have to sedate him. Get me my bag. It's on the counter there."
Rustling and clinking. My face was sweating and den I felt Kurt's hand across my forehead. Never really felt his fur before. It was soft like velvet. De pain flooded from my neck all t'rough my body. Gritted my teeth. Felt like I was coming apart. Hardly even felt de prick as de needle went in, but suddenly de pain was gone and I seemed t' be drifting away from my body. My eyes were still shut tight, but I could hear everyt'ing. Echoes down a well.
"Dr. Moreau. Sabretooth and I were wondering when you would come back." A woman's voice.
"Mystique! I...how did you get down here?"
"That's not the important question, Moreau."
"Mother!" Kurt exclaimed.
"K...Kurt?" He must have been out of sight, but Mystique recovered from her surprise well. "Lord Magneto is quite concerned about your welfare," she continued smoothly. "I think it's best if you come with me now."
"No!" Kurt exploded. "You have to let him finish zis!"
"I don't have to let him do anything."
"I only need to set this up, here," Moreau said calmly.
"You're coming with me!" Mystique insisted. Heard a hum of machinery warming. Was glad dat my eyes weren't open den. De lids were so heavy I don't t'ink I could have opened dem if I tried.
"No, mother! Don't!" Kurt's voice was strained wit' some effort. Smelled de familiar sulfur of his teleportation.
Only sightline in a room dat wasn't so big. Mystique's voice rose in a furious shriek, farther away dan it'd been a moment before. "Get off me!"
"Nein. Mother, he needs to save Rogue."
"Rogue?"
"My sister."
"How do you know?" Softer. "You were never supposed to know."
Den de hiss of a door opening, a roar and a scream. I guessed Sabretooth had gotten tired of waiting for Mystique's return.
"I thought I smelled somethin' funny," he spat.
"Mystique!" Kurt's voice was anguished.
"Back off, kid or your mom's toast."
Heard scrambling and a crunch that sounded horribly final. A low moan. Dr. Moreau's humming machine started in earnest.
At first, I t'ought dat not'ing was happening. A clicking dat I identified as keystrokes. My skin felt warm and den everyt'ing came in a rush - I seemed t' grow larger until a hole burst into my chest. Could feel de rush of atoms in a way dat I usually didn't. Each one individually on my face like bubbles. De sound dey made was strange music - a murmuring chorus, crickets or frogs mebbe. Opened my eyes and I could see molecules strung t'gether like bits of cobweb. Dere was somet'ing in de room glowing wit' a beautiful, gold light. De color reached into all de corners.
Kurt and Mystique were on de other side of de room. Sabretooth, unconscious, lay on de ground in front of dem, a trickle of blood at one corner of his mouth. Kurt and Mystique were clinging t'gether, but hadn't realized dat yet. Mystique's right hand was frozen in de act of stroking Kurt's hair. Dey were staring. At me. Dat's when I looked down t' realize dat de light was coming from me, pouring from my solar plexus. It grew brighter and brighter until it seemed dat a new sun was being born. Closed my eyes again and I felt myself dissolve. My power had always been de exchange of energy - one kind for another - and now I was a part of dat energy across de whole world.
In Nawlins, Emil was playing pool. I was dere where de cue hit de ball. Reached out an' took de energy away, stopping de ball as it spun neatly toward de corner pocket. I was in de energy of motion behind Emil's outraged shout.
At de same time, I was wit' Tante Mattie in her kitchen, where she an' Jean- Luc debated strategy wit' arms waving.
Stretching myself, I came t' a new place, a bedroom far away in darkness where a sleeper roused enough t' murmur, "Llandra?" before falling into sleep again.
I looked for Rogue and didn't find her difficult t' locate. Tumbled in de motion of her van's engine for a bit, enjoying de whirling ride. De t'ing in her neck glowed bright wit' hoarded energy. Passed into her, loving de complicated play of blood and muscle and bone dat lay just beneath de surface.
"Remy?" I heard her voice, distorted wit' distance. Strange and hollow.
"Everyt'ing'll be all right, mon coeur." Touched de necklace, inside, and its energy slipped into me. More and more. Pouring. Was drowning under it. Rogue's stolen power was crashing t'rough me. Dieu. Never realized dat dere could be so much.
My vision went white. I was blind. Heard Emil, Tante Mattie, Jean-Luc, de unknown man across de galaxy, Rogue calling my name.
* * *
Yes, I know I'm once again playing fast and loose with cannon events. I'm not terribly familiar with the ishes where Remy's powers were increased (even though I should be since he and Rogue suck face) and so this is my own little spin on them, with a grateful nod to my favoritiest Ray Bradbury story, "April Witch" where I got the inspiration for Remy's little trip around town. Because, apparently, I'm just stealin' from everyone today.
Shameless, shameless (and I do mean shameless) plug alert: On an unrelated, but still pertinent note, Randi has been kind enough (or foolish enough?) to nominate this whole, darn series for a CBFFA Award. Um. Wow. The site is here: http://www.fanficnetwork.com/CBFFA+2003/default.htm and, given time, I may pop over to the plug board to do a little MORE shameless self- promotion. In honor of the contest, and because she asked so nicely, I've titled the series - "The Cannibal King and the Dusty Maid" because I like the idea of Remy as the cannibal king and Rogue as the dusty maid.
bunny angel: he dyed it pink for a drag ball. I believe it was blue or something before that. Because pink? = ew. Remy is experiencing flights of magical-realistic fancy for his love as well (apparently).
Panther Nesmeth: Greetings to a fellow feminist. Y'know, if you're really into the whole feminist shtick, you should check out "The Beauty Myth" by Naomi Wolf. I'm reading it right now and it's really fascinating. Something about neck violence always creeps me out. Also eye violence. Yuck. On the other hand, I have much less of a problem WRITING about it so what does that say about me? Eh.
Lace123: As I stole the review-reply thing from someone else (probably?) you should feel free to go right ahead. The FOH have the potential to be interesting as a group and I've got, like, a whole backstory on the guy in the diner that'll never be written. I've got backstories on a lot of people that'll never be written. (giant sigh)
ishandahalf: I thought it'd be cool if it was a parasitic kind of metal (because THAT way I could bring, like, the Shi'ar and stuff - MORE things from x-men cannon, because, y'know, it's fun and junk) and so viola! Remy is, indeed, a sweet and charming person, but alas (like many sweet and charming people) he only exists in the fourth estate. So many fake boyfriends, so little time.
Sujakata: I KNOW! And I guess they're planning on bringing it back in May for the release of X2. But I ask you, what is X2 with no Remy? Or so little Remy that my heart barely flutters. I was squeeing like a little girl all through "Stuff of Villains." It was really embarrassing.
starlightz6: I'm pretty sure Magneto will be (fairly) reasonable about the whole thing. And I'm still puzzling over the ending which (both sadly because I enjoy writing this and not-so-sadly because I'd like my brain back to do OTHER things) isn't all that far away.
Christy S: Ah, there lies the rub of the first person narrative. I was thinking of this really exciting scene where Kurt takes down Sabretooth to save his mom, but then I was all "wait, if Remy's kind of unconscious, how does THAT work?" Gah. So here you have Kurt in action, the radio show. [sheepish grin]
J. Dax: So sweet of you to say! After writing a story (and editing a story!) for months on end I find it difficult to tell...um...anything, I guess. Right from left? Up from down? What the heck was my name again?!
Neurotic Temptress: Thanks so much for the advice. I think I've ALMOST got that particular wrinkle ironed out. And I'm glad you agree about Claremont because I know I'm right. ;-) Like this is the man who wrote the Phoenix Saga? And now he's all turned into the exposition fairy over in Xtreme? I'm sorry, but the constant recapping of past events and WHO the team members are? No wonder it took like 8 bazillion issues to resolve the whole interdimensional invasion story arc. Hey, it happens to the best of everyone, I suppose. Once upon a time I loved Frank Miller and DK2 killed my love deader than a doornail.
Lady MR: Just for you! And my damn sanity! Another part ahead of schedule!
Flyby Stardancer: FF.net has been acting up (again) I think. I have some ideas re: Remy's eyes and I know exactly what was up with the FOH guy, but as I said before, that's a story that'll have to sit in my brain forever. Or perhaps it's a story for another day? Ah, decisions.
My skin was alive with sensations as Ah drifted in that twilight region 'tween sleep an' wake. My mind focused endlessly on happier things, although Ah couldn't tell if it was supposed ta be a comfort or not. Ah saw Irene's face, hoverin' over me just like when Ah was a lil' kid, sick in bed. Kitty's face, blazin' with anger, defendin' Remy an' me. Kurt's gentle concern.
Ah saw Remy.
Most of all Ah saw him. Strange as it was, Ah wished fiercely ta go back ta the beginnin' an' tell him how Ah felt. Th' desire was a lump at the back o' my throat that Ah couldn't swallow past, no matter how much Ah wanted ta do it. It wouldn't have been difficult. Ah coulda done it any time before, Ah realized -- after we first met, when we were on th' road ta find Magneto, in that prison in Genosha, th' whole time we were in New Orleans, or even that Friday -- amazin' an horrible as it'd been -- when his lips moved down my skin an' his tongue found that ticklish spot on th' inside o' my right elbow.
What would we have done then? If Ah had just gasped out how much Ah needed him an' how scary that was, while th' feelin's exploded through my brain like fireworks.
But none o' that'd happened. Ah'd let the words flicker out inside. They blistered on my tongue. Instead o' sayin' anythin', Ah'd flipped him over, squeezin' his bare torso between my knees. Ah'd run my fingernails lightly up his stomach, feelin' the smooth muscles jump. Ah'd kissed him, openmouthed an' hungry. There was sweat on his skin an' the salt burned the corners o' my lips.
My eyes snapped open. There was a pain in my arm. Fuzzy head. Ah remembered. Mr. McCoy had given me somethin', a shot, ta relax me while the others -- Scott an' Ororo an' Kitty an' the Professor -- left ta find Remy. Ah struggled into a sittin' position. Ah was in the medical bay, muffled like a mummy in crisp, white sheets, padded up with pillows. Ah struggled out from under the blankets an' threw one leg over th' side o' the bed. Almost fell ta the ground. Whatever Mr. McCoy'd given me was still in my system. God, how long had Ah been out?"
Th' door slid back an' Jean hurried in. "Rogue, great news! Hank says that he's really close to..." Th' excited expression on her face faded into bothered confusion when she saw me. Ah was a damn sight -- half in bed with my hospital gown ridin' high up one thigh.
"Rogue, you're not supposed to be out of bed." Ah felt myself bein' gently lifted through th' air even though Jean was still lingerin' in the doorway.
"That's the problem with havin' a telepath for a nurse," Ah grumbled. Stubbornly, Ah swung both legs over th' edge.
Jean was at my side immediately. "Your IV is backed up," she said, all business. She straightened out a kink in the line. Th' pain in my arm disappeared.
"Ah haveta get outta here." Jean pressed her fingers into my wrist, calmly takin' my pulse. "Please, Jean?" Ah grabbed her free hand.
"Mr. McCoy said you weren't supposed to move. He's really close to figuring this thing out, Rogue. If you could only wait a little longer. He..."
The look on my face musta been what stopped her cold. "What if ya were me an' it was Scott?" Ah pleaded.
"I...Scott?" She looked gently pained an' Ah could tell Ah'd hit a nerve.
"Yeah. What if it was Scott...before. An' there was a chance that...well, that you wouldn't be able ta tell him all those things that ya did. If there was a chance that he'd gone and done somethin' dangerous an' stupid, just 'cause o' somethin' ya'd done." Ah smiled bitterly. "Dangerous an' stupid" just weren't in Scott's vocabulary, at least not together. Ah realized with a shock that that's what Ah'd liked so much about him for so long -- he would be th' kind o' person ta show ya how ta live your own life. But, he'd never judge. He'd never cruelly remind ya that ya were really livin' the life he'd chosen. It'd be a good life too, even if it wasn't any o' your own doin'. As long as Ah'd been around him, Ah never had ta bother ta figure myself out. But Remy forced ya ta know, or else ya could never take a stand again. Ya'd get sucked into his life an' never get out. It was a hard thing.
Ah missed him an' the ache was like air on an exposed burn. Ah swallowed hard.
"Scott?" Jean repeated faintly. "I...I don't know."
"Ah'm gettin' up from this bed," Ah told her coolly. "An' Ah'm gonna put my clothes on an' go. If ya want, ya can tell Mr. McCoy that Ah was gone before ya got here." Ah plucked out th' IV. Th' tiles were cold under my feet an' there was a definite draft up th' back o' my gown.
Jean shook her head. "It's no good. The cameras. Mr. McCoy'll know."
"Then he'll know." My head felt heavy with th' last wisps o' medicine. My clothes were folded neatly on a chair in the far corner o' the room. Ah walked over slowly an' pulled on my pants, socks an' shoes. No time for modesty, Ah stripped off th' gown quickly. Jean dropped her eyes an' reddened. Ah fastened my bra an' buttoned up my shirt.
"Wait!" Jean said as Ah moved unsteadily toward th' door.
"What is it?" Ah was tired an' heartsick. Ah didn't know how well Ah could fight her off if she tried ta stop me. But dammit if Ah wouldn't try at least.
"You can't go like that."
"Like what?" Ah asked miserably.
"Your tag's out. Here." She was at my back, her cool fingers brushed my neck. Somethin' else happened too -- my head cleared an' suddenly the ground felt a whole lot firmer under me.
"Thanks," Ah said. For Jean, it was a lot ta do. Sad an' frustratin' as it was ta think about, Ah knew she'd never dare ta rebel out loud.
"You're welcome."
Ah'd be lyin' if Ah said Ah gave the matter any more thought as Ah raced up toward th' Institute garage. They'd taken th' x-jet an' Ah was pretty grateful for that. Ah still needed ta log 80 hours more on the flight simulator before they'd even think o' lettin' me touch the thing, but drivin' the van was no problem, even if Ah did feel just a tiny twinge o' regret that Logan'd taken his motorcycle.
Ah started th' engine an' flicked on the GPS tracker. Three dots -- one larger, th' x-jet, headin' north, an' two smaller. One was Kurt, still for th' moment, an' the other was Logan. Ah wondered what would happen when all th' dots met up. Figured it'd be nothin' good. Ah pushed th' clutch in an' shifted, pressin' harder on the gas than Ah'd planned. The van leapt forward, tires screechin' down the driveway.
* * *
Got as far as a clump of scrub bushes before I threw up. Kurt made a sympathetic noise and patted me on de back.
"You get used to it," he promised.
"Mebbe I don't want t' get used t' it, neh?"
"This way!" Moreau snapped impatiently. He fooled wit' a cluster of rocks and underbrush, exposing a dark hole and stairs leading down into de darkness.
"Zis takes us into ze house?" Kurt asked warily.
"This takes us into the lab," Moreau pointed out. "So you either come now or not at all." He was nervous. Dere were beaded drops of sweat on his upper lip.
Long as I live I'll never forget dat trip. De passageway was natural, but parts had been widened. Dere were no lights installed so I picked out a good sized branch, giving de tips a charge so dey burst into flame. De unsteady light glanced off de rough edges of de rock, making de walls look like dey were moving in and out - breathing. All around our feet, shadows gathered and shook like wet ink.
Concentrated on putting one foot in front of de other. De tunnel seemed t' go on forever.
"I discovered in the course of my work in Genosha that every mutant has dual levels of potential," Moreau said suddenly. "The first is naturally occurring, often appearing with puberty, but the second stage, frequently a higher level manifestation of the mutant's existing powers, must be triggered externally. I think that once I attach the collar and find Mr. LeBeau's trigger, that will prove to be the key to removing it."
Felt a jolt of panic, remembering de exploding safety razor from my youth. What if I hurt someone? Dere was a time when I couldn't even avoid hurting myself wit' de powers.
"I see," Kurt said. "At least I think I do. Because ze metal is organic..."
"Think of it as a kind of parasite, if it helps. A very effective parasite. It derives its own energy from the host without significant weakening beyond the negation of mutant powers. And it protects itself in any way necessary to prevent extraction."
"But if you give it too much energy, zen its hold should loosen."
"Theoretically."
My throat was dry, and dat wasn't just theoretically.
Moreau held de torch out in front of him, revealing a heavy, metal door. Wit' some effort he slid back de deadlock and pushed t'rough.
De brightness was overwhelming. Closed my eyes while orange and magenta ghosts of light danced.
"If you'll have a seat, we can begin," Moreau told me. Gingerly, I sat in de examination chair. It looked like somet'ing from de dentist's office. "This shouldn't hurt," he said. My ears, practiced in finding lies, heard de uncertainty in his voice. Closed my eyes and de next t'ing I felt was a weight settle across my neck. "Kurt, could you bring me those clamps, please?"
"Zis?"
"Yes. Hurry now. This is only a mild current to stimulate the metal's activity level."
De band on my neck shifted and I felt a tingle like static. It moved again against my skin. Centipede legs crawling over my neck. Felt a shriek rising into my mouth, but I swallowed it at de last second. Den tearing and a sharp pain. I guessed de spikes were in my skin. My back arched under me. "Doctor..." Kurt warned.
"I know. He's moving too much. I'll have to sedate him. Get me my bag. It's on the counter there."
Rustling and clinking. My face was sweating and den I felt Kurt's hand across my forehead. Never really felt his fur before. It was soft like velvet. De pain flooded from my neck all t'rough my body. Gritted my teeth. Felt like I was coming apart. Hardly even felt de prick as de needle went in, but suddenly de pain was gone and I seemed t' be drifting away from my body. My eyes were still shut tight, but I could hear everyt'ing. Echoes down a well.
"Dr. Moreau. Sabretooth and I were wondering when you would come back." A woman's voice.
"Mystique! I...how did you get down here?"
"That's not the important question, Moreau."
"Mother!" Kurt exclaimed.
"K...Kurt?" He must have been out of sight, but Mystique recovered from her surprise well. "Lord Magneto is quite concerned about your welfare," she continued smoothly. "I think it's best if you come with me now."
"No!" Kurt exploded. "You have to let him finish zis!"
"I don't have to let him do anything."
"I only need to set this up, here," Moreau said calmly.
"You're coming with me!" Mystique insisted. Heard a hum of machinery warming. Was glad dat my eyes weren't open den. De lids were so heavy I don't t'ink I could have opened dem if I tried.
"No, mother! Don't!" Kurt's voice was strained wit' some effort. Smelled de familiar sulfur of his teleportation.
Only sightline in a room dat wasn't so big. Mystique's voice rose in a furious shriek, farther away dan it'd been a moment before. "Get off me!"
"Nein. Mother, he needs to save Rogue."
"Rogue?"
"My sister."
"How do you know?" Softer. "You were never supposed to know."
Den de hiss of a door opening, a roar and a scream. I guessed Sabretooth had gotten tired of waiting for Mystique's return.
"I thought I smelled somethin' funny," he spat.
"Mystique!" Kurt's voice was anguished.
"Back off, kid or your mom's toast."
Heard scrambling and a crunch that sounded horribly final. A low moan. Dr. Moreau's humming machine started in earnest.
At first, I t'ought dat not'ing was happening. A clicking dat I identified as keystrokes. My skin felt warm and den everyt'ing came in a rush - I seemed t' grow larger until a hole burst into my chest. Could feel de rush of atoms in a way dat I usually didn't. Each one individually on my face like bubbles. De sound dey made was strange music - a murmuring chorus, crickets or frogs mebbe. Opened my eyes and I could see molecules strung t'gether like bits of cobweb. Dere was somet'ing in de room glowing wit' a beautiful, gold light. De color reached into all de corners.
Kurt and Mystique were on de other side of de room. Sabretooth, unconscious, lay on de ground in front of dem, a trickle of blood at one corner of his mouth. Kurt and Mystique were clinging t'gether, but hadn't realized dat yet. Mystique's right hand was frozen in de act of stroking Kurt's hair. Dey were staring. At me. Dat's when I looked down t' realize dat de light was coming from me, pouring from my solar plexus. It grew brighter and brighter until it seemed dat a new sun was being born. Closed my eyes again and I felt myself dissolve. My power had always been de exchange of energy - one kind for another - and now I was a part of dat energy across de whole world.
In Nawlins, Emil was playing pool. I was dere where de cue hit de ball. Reached out an' took de energy away, stopping de ball as it spun neatly toward de corner pocket. I was in de energy of motion behind Emil's outraged shout.
At de same time, I was wit' Tante Mattie in her kitchen, where she an' Jean- Luc debated strategy wit' arms waving.
Stretching myself, I came t' a new place, a bedroom far away in darkness where a sleeper roused enough t' murmur, "Llandra?" before falling into sleep again.
I looked for Rogue and didn't find her difficult t' locate. Tumbled in de motion of her van's engine for a bit, enjoying de whirling ride. De t'ing in her neck glowed bright wit' hoarded energy. Passed into her, loving de complicated play of blood and muscle and bone dat lay just beneath de surface.
"Remy?" I heard her voice, distorted wit' distance. Strange and hollow.
"Everyt'ing'll be all right, mon coeur." Touched de necklace, inside, and its energy slipped into me. More and more. Pouring. Was drowning under it. Rogue's stolen power was crashing t'rough me. Dieu. Never realized dat dere could be so much.
My vision went white. I was blind. Heard Emil, Tante Mattie, Jean-Luc, de unknown man across de galaxy, Rogue calling my name.
* * *
Yes, I know I'm once again playing fast and loose with cannon events. I'm not terribly familiar with the ishes where Remy's powers were increased (even though I should be since he and Rogue suck face) and so this is my own little spin on them, with a grateful nod to my favoritiest Ray Bradbury story, "April Witch" where I got the inspiration for Remy's little trip around town. Because, apparently, I'm just stealin' from everyone today.
Shameless, shameless (and I do mean shameless) plug alert: On an unrelated, but still pertinent note, Randi has been kind enough (or foolish enough?) to nominate this whole, darn series for a CBFFA Award. Um. Wow. The site is here: http://www.fanficnetwork.com/CBFFA+2003/default.htm and, given time, I may pop over to the plug board to do a little MORE shameless self- promotion. In honor of the contest, and because she asked so nicely, I've titled the series - "The Cannibal King and the Dusty Maid" because I like the idea of Remy as the cannibal king and Rogue as the dusty maid.
bunny angel: he dyed it pink for a drag ball. I believe it was blue or something before that. Because pink? = ew. Remy is experiencing flights of magical-realistic fancy for his love as well (apparently).
Panther Nesmeth: Greetings to a fellow feminist. Y'know, if you're really into the whole feminist shtick, you should check out "The Beauty Myth" by Naomi Wolf. I'm reading it right now and it's really fascinating. Something about neck violence always creeps me out. Also eye violence. Yuck. On the other hand, I have much less of a problem WRITING about it so what does that say about me? Eh.
Lace123: As I stole the review-reply thing from someone else (probably?) you should feel free to go right ahead. The FOH have the potential to be interesting as a group and I've got, like, a whole backstory on the guy in the diner that'll never be written. I've got backstories on a lot of people that'll never be written. (giant sigh)
ishandahalf: I thought it'd be cool if it was a parasitic kind of metal (because THAT way I could bring, like, the Shi'ar and stuff - MORE things from x-men cannon, because, y'know, it's fun and junk) and so viola! Remy is, indeed, a sweet and charming person, but alas (like many sweet and charming people) he only exists in the fourth estate. So many fake boyfriends, so little time.
Sujakata: I KNOW! And I guess they're planning on bringing it back in May for the release of X2. But I ask you, what is X2 with no Remy? Or so little Remy that my heart barely flutters. I was squeeing like a little girl all through "Stuff of Villains." It was really embarrassing.
starlightz6: I'm pretty sure Magneto will be (fairly) reasonable about the whole thing. And I'm still puzzling over the ending which (both sadly because I enjoy writing this and not-so-sadly because I'd like my brain back to do OTHER things) isn't all that far away.
Christy S: Ah, there lies the rub of the first person narrative. I was thinking of this really exciting scene where Kurt takes down Sabretooth to save his mom, but then I was all "wait, if Remy's kind of unconscious, how does THAT work?" Gah. So here you have Kurt in action, the radio show. [sheepish grin]
J. Dax: So sweet of you to say! After writing a story (and editing a story!) for months on end I find it difficult to tell...um...anything, I guess. Right from left? Up from down? What the heck was my name again?!
Neurotic Temptress: Thanks so much for the advice. I think I've ALMOST got that particular wrinkle ironed out. And I'm glad you agree about Claremont because I know I'm right. ;-) Like this is the man who wrote the Phoenix Saga? And now he's all turned into the exposition fairy over in Xtreme? I'm sorry, but the constant recapping of past events and WHO the team members are? No wonder it took like 8 bazillion issues to resolve the whole interdimensional invasion story arc. Hey, it happens to the best of everyone, I suppose. Once upon a time I loved Frank Miller and DK2 killed my love deader than a doornail.
Lady MR: Just for you! And my damn sanity! Another part ahead of schedule!
Flyby Stardancer: FF.net has been acting up (again) I think. I have some ideas re: Remy's eyes and I know exactly what was up with the FOH guy, but as I said before, that's a story that'll have to sit in my brain forever. Or perhaps it's a story for another day? Ah, decisions.