CHAPTER FIVE
The next morning, Wolverine's supersensitive hearing woke him up as it picked up the swish of the door to the infirmary. In seconds he was up off his caught, claws extended and ready to defend Rogue's unconscious form.
Xavier smiled. "I assumed you would want to get started as soon as possible."
Wolverine's claws retracted abruptly. For a second his mind warred between being pissed at the rude awakening and excitement at the prospect of bringing Rogue back. Rogue won out, and he nodded.
"Ready when you are, Wheels."
Professor Xavier raised his eyebrows, but let the nickname go. He picked up a device that was sitting in his lap. It looked like two Cerebros connected by long wires. He held it up to Wolverine.
"A contact of mine, Forge, is a very talented inventor. In fact, he is the man who designed my hoverchair. I explained my idea to him and he was able to make some adjustments to one of his previous inventions. You and Rogue will be psychically connected to one another with this machine. It will enable you, Wolverine, to enter her mind. Once you are there, you will have to find Rogue and convince her to take control."
Wolverine frowned. "You mean you want me to track her down in her own mind and tell her to wake up?"
Xavier shook his head. "Not exactly. Since Rogue is no longer consciously maintaining control over her mind, the different psyches she has absorbed from others are all coming loose and intermixing. She has to take control before she wakes up."
"You mean all the memories she's ever absorbed are all in there trying to take over?"
"Not all of them. Rogue's absorption has never been permanent before."
Wolverine's eyes narrowed dangerously. "'Before'? You mean that's changed?"
Professor Xavier's eyes were serious. "I'm afraid so. Wolverine, you said Sabretooth was still unconscious when you found him?"
"Yeah."
"Does he not have a healing factor similar to yours?"
Wolverine thought back to the burns along the edges of the hole in Sabretooth's shirt. Rogue had to have shot him with the plasma gun, but there had been no burn marks.
"Yeah."
Xavier sighed. "Then he should have regained consciousness before you returned home."
"We don't know that. Rogue's absorbed me before and knocked me out for hours. If she could do that to me with barely a touch then—." He couldn't finish the sentence.
"In any case, if it was only temporary, Sabretooth would not be such a strong presence in her mind. When I tried to bring her out yesterday, she only made it as far as her memory of Sabretooth before she panicked and ran back into the depths of her mind." He took a deep breath. "Wolverine, we must face the possibility that Sabretooth is a permanent part of Rogue. If this is true, then we must get her to take control as quickly as possible. If not, it is possible that Sabretooth's mind will emerge first as the persona in control."
Wolverine's claws shot out with an angry metallic sound. He retracted them quickly and then released them again. After doing this a few times, he seemed to calm down slightly.
"He can't have her," he whispered tersely.
Xavier nodded. "Let's begin."
He gestured for Wolverine to lie down on the cot, next to Rogue's hospital bed. When he was settled, Professor Xavier placed one of the Cerebro-like helmets on his head and the other one on Rogue. Wolverine had to respect the way the man was able to maneuver his hoverchair around with such seeming ease.
When they were both situated, the Professor gave Wolverine a few last instructions.
"Now remember, Wolverine. Rogue has not dealt with her trauma in any way yet. Rape victims are plagued with a feeling of helplessness and a loss of control. You must make Rogue realize that in her mind, she is in charge. Her mind is anything she wants it to be and whatever she says, goes. Anything is possible."
Wolverine groaned in frustration. "Why don't you do this? You're better equipped to explain all this to her than I am."
"Perhaps, but she has an emotional attachment to you. She trusts you to protect her. That may make the difference when it comes time for her to face Sabretooth. You may be the reassurance she needs to face him and put him in his place."
Wolverine nodded. "All right." He took a deep breath. "Hit me."
Xavier smiled. Reaching down to activate the helmets, he sent Wolverine's consciousness through the wires and into Rogue's mind.
* * *
For a split second, Wolverine's vision went black as Xavier turned on the device. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the darkness vanished, and Wolverine found himself in the middle of the strange landscape of Rogue's mind.
The first thing he noticed was that he could smell Sabretooth everywhere. Wolverine hadn't been expecting his enhanced senses to be of much use in Rogue's mind, and he was a little confused. Then a thought occurred to him. If Rogue had absorbed Sabretooth permanently, she would have his enhanced senses. It stood to reason then, that enhanced senses were a part of her psyche and, as Xavier said, anything she thinks is possible is possible.
Wolverine shook his head in exasperation. He was tired of trying to make sense of everything. He had his enhanced senses and that was all that mattered. They would enable him to tell the difference between memories and the consciousness that was actually Rogue. Sniffing the air, he started to track her.
* * *
Sabretooth watched silently as Wolverine disappeared farther into Rogue's mind, but he didn't follow. He saw the way Wolverine was sniffing the air for scents, and he didn't want the other man to find him. Not that he was afraid of fighting the little Wolverine. He was simply biding his time until he knew what was going on. After being duped by that puny bald man, he wasn't going to take any chances. His prison the man had created had disappeared when the man who created it left, and Sabretooth was making use of his returned freedom. He understood now that he was trapped in Rogue's mind.
Sabretooth had never claimed to be an educated man. He didn't understand the details of how he had ended up in Rogue's mind, and he didn't care. He was a mutant and an assassin. He used his rage and brute strength to earn money, whether it be cage fighting or mercenary work. His sadistic nature made him the perfect killing machine and he enjoyed his work.
Now he found himself trapped in the mind of one of his victims. The little woman, who'd been nothing but a cock sheath to him not long ago, was now his jailer. She was in a position to control him and keep him imprisoned at her will.
Sabretooth grinned, showing sharp elongated canines. Or was she? Sabretooth had watched that bald man try to lead Rogue's form to the front of her mind. As soon as she had retreated after his attack, the man had shaken his head sadly and left. Somehow it was important for Rogue to get to the front of her mind, and she couldn't do it alone.
Sabretooth felt a rush of adrenaline as he remembered the absolute terror in her eyes when he had knocked her down beneath him. It made him feel a primal sense of possession when he thought about the remembrance he'd seen in her eyes.
He nodded as he watched Wolverine disappear in the distance. If they wanted to get out, they'd have to pass him first.
* * *
As Wolverine made his way through Rogue's mind, he couldn't help but feel a touch of familiarity about the snowy Canadian pieces. He knew the Professor had assumed those were all from Sabretooth, but Wolverine wondered if they may possibly be his. After all, he reasoned, Rogue had absorbed him three separate times. Wasn't it possible that she retained some of his memories as well?
He reluctantly thought back to Rogue's subconscious reaction in the infirmary the day before. It certainly seemed she'd remembered something.
Lost in thought it was a few minutes before Wolverine noticed the music. When it finally registered in his mind, his head snapped up and right in front of him he saw the first bar he'd taken Rogue to. The song "Hungry Eyes" was playing inside, and Wolverine felt a rush of warmth as his own corresponding memory came to mind.
He walked in the doors and his nose quickly led him to a hooded figure at the bar. He walked over and sat down next to her. For a few minutes they sat there in silence. Finally, Wolverine spoke up.
"You're a good dancer, Darlin'. This was a good time."
Rogue avoided his eyes, keeping her face hidden by her cloak.
"Ah like it here. It's stronger."
"Stronger?"
Rogue still didn't look at him. "Mah memories aren't steady anymore. They're fading in and out. This memory is stronger cause it's from mah mind and yours. His memories can't hurt it."
Wolverine knew she was referring to Sabretooth. He felt a surge of anger and pride. Anger at the beast that was doing this to his Rogue, and pride that he was somehow helping her to fight back, even subconsciously. He took a deep breath.
"I'm glad you like this memory."
"Ah love this memory."
Wolverine could tell by her voice she was smiling. He knew he had to handle this carefully.
"I'd like to make another memory like this with you," he said softly.
There was a strained silence for a few seconds before Rogue answered.
"He won't let me out," she whispered.
Wolverine shook his head. "Rogue, this is your mind. Anything you say goes."
Rogue shivered slightly. "Ah'm scared."
"I'm with you, Rogue. I know you can do this." He gently reached over and turned her so she was facing him. "Rogue, I want you to come back with me. You're too strong to let anyone make you a prisoner in your own head. I know you're scared, but you have to remember that your mind is what you make it. No one can trump your will, here."
"Wolvie, Ah don't wanna face him."
Her eyes shined with tears of desperation and Wolverine's grip on her shoulders tightened.
"Rogue, I am right here beside you. I want you to trust me. You have to know I would never let anything happen to you if I was there."
For what seemed like an eternity, he looked her in the eyes, willing his strength into her. It was of a strange importance to him that she trusted him to protect her. A small part of his mind still felt it was his fault she'd been hurt because he hadn't been there, and he wanted to make up for it now. For the first time in a long time, Wolverine felt an emotional connection to a woman and he waited with bated breath for her answer. Finally, Rogue seemed to make up her mind.
"Ah trust you," She said quietly.
Wolverine nodded and took her hand in his.
"Let's do it."
Together they walked out of the bar and into the open realm of Rogue's mind. As they walked, Wolverine thought of something.
"Rogue, did the Professor tell you how to come out of your subconscious?"
Rogue nodded. "He told me to visualize a portal and if Ah wanted it to, it would take me out." She stopped walking and looked around. "Ah suppose Ah could make it here."
"Seems as good a place as any," Wolverine agreed.
Rogue closed her eyes and after a few moments a bright blue portal appeared a few feet away from them. She looked at the portal as if surprised it had actually worked. Wolverine smiled.
"Well, looks like it's time to leave."
Rogue hesitated. Furtively glancing around, Wolverine noticed her body tense up.
"Rogue, what's wrong?"
"Ah don't know. Ah feel like Ah'm bein' watched."
Suddenly, a hulking figure flew out of nowhere and crashed into Rogue, carrying them both to the ground. Wolverine growled as Sabretooth stood up, lifting Rogue with him. Cursing his carelessness, Wolverine realized that his senses had adjusted to Sabretooth's scent in Rogue's mind to the point that he hadn't even noticed the man's presence.
"Rogue!" he shouted. Dismayed he watched as Rogue stared in terror at her captor. Instead of taking control and using her mind to subdue him, she just hung there in Sabretooth's grip, too scared to move.
Sabretooth laughed. "Well, well, well, if it isn't my cage buddy. I've been lookin' for you, runt."
"Let her go, gutter trash. Your fight is with me," Wolverine growled.
An eerie light shone in Sabretooth's eyes as he looked at Wolverine. His muscles twitched and his adrenaline raced as he anticipated the fight he'd been looking for since that day in Laughlin.
"That it is," he murmured. Throwing Rogue's body to the ground, Sabretooth took a few menacing steps towards Wolverine. "I've been tracking you for days, little man," he taunted, flexing his taloned hands. "This pleasure has been a long time in coming."
Wolverine began to move backwards trying to draw Sabretooth farther away from Rogue. She stumbled to her feet and began to run in another direction than the one they had come from. He didn't know where she was going, and for a moment Wolverine started to try and follow her. Then he stopped. If he ran after her, Sabretooth would be right behind him and that would be the worst possible thing for Rogue right now. Resigned, he growled and faced his opponent. Sabretooth was watching him like a hawk, a predator's look in his feline eyes. Taking in the chillingly familiar look, Wolverine knew this wasn't going to be a short battle. He almost howled in frustration as they both began circling one another. If he didn't go after Rogue soon, he may not be able to bring her back. But if he left now Sabretooth would be free to wander around her mind, chasing after her.
Then an idea suddenly occurred to Wolverine. Struggling with his desire to shred Sabretooth where he stood, he concentrated on the ground beneath the other man.
"As much as I think you deserve a severe beating, Sabretooth," he ground out. "I don't think you deserve a good fight."
The floor beneath Sabretooth suddenly turned soft and oozed up around him.
"What the hell?!" Sabretooth growled. Roaring he swiped at the rising wall with his talons, but the soft matter eluded him. Just like Xavier had done, Wolverine motioned for the ground to continue surrounding the enraged Sabretooth. This time though, it didn't stop until it had fully encompassed him, hardening to form a cement prison. Then the cabin floor opened up and the prison sank with its howling victim under the ground. A few moments later there was no sign that Sabretooth had even been there.
Wolverine took a deep breath to try and calm himself as his adrenaline continued to flow from the anticipation of a fight. Turning, he ran in the direction Rogue had fled. In what seemed like seconds he spotted a doorway. Following Rogue's scent, he ran to the door and stepped inside. Stopping short in surprise, Wolverine found himself standing in a jungle, surrounded by lush green foliage. Confused, he looked around for signs of Rogue. Just as he picked up her scent, Wolverine was startled when Rogue suddenly dropped down in front of him from the tree branches where she had ostensibly been hiding.
"So you came back," Rogue commented guardedly.
As he finally had a chance to get a good look at her, Wolverine's eyes nearly fell out of his head. She was dressed, barely, in a two piece outfit made of animal fur. Her arms were encircled with various metal bands and a pair of hand sewn leather boots reached up to mid calf. Most of her body was bare, and for a minute all Wolverine could do was stare at her exposed skin. It seemed strange to him to see her look so comfortable wearing so little. Maybe it was the fact that Sabretooth had finally been defeated that gave her this renewed confidence. Or maybe it was the wicked looking spear that she lifted to point at his throat.
"You were a fool if you thought you could escape an Amazon."
Wolverine stared at her. An Amazon?
"Rogue, what are you talking about? I came back for you."
"For me?" She asked suspiciously. "What do you want with me?"
"I want you to take control, Rogue," he said calmly.
That got his a raised eyebrow. "And what makes you think I want to?"
Wolverine sighed. "Rogue," he said carefully. "Sabretooth is gone. He can't hurt you anymore, please don't run away again."
"An Amazon does not run away," Rogue corrected him. It seemed as though she was going to say something else when suddenly her eyes seemed to see something beside Wolverine. Slowly, she knelt down and Wolverine's eyes followed her. He started as he realized their was a large animal hide beside him. It had been sliced cleanly as though it were a trophy. Rogue put her spear down on the ground and gently ran a hand over its long yellowish fur. Wolverine was struck by the resemblance between the carcass at his feet and Sabretooth.
"You killed this for me?" she asked. Her voice was tinged with admiration.
"Yes," Wolverine said slowly. He didn't know what was going on, but clearly the best course of action right now was to run with it. "Will you take control now?"
Rogue looked up at him for a long moment. Finally, she nodded and stood up. "All right. You've proven you skill as a hunter and you've honored me with the gift. I see no reason I cannot accept you as my partner."
Before Wolverine could fully comprehend what she'd said, Rogue stepped forward and pressed her lips to his in a searing kiss. At first Wolverine was too surprised to react, but soon he found himself responding to the kiss. When her soft lips parted to give him better access, Wolverine felt his blood rush to lower points in his body. Groaning slightly, he slid his tongue in to explore the silky recesses of her mouth.
After what seemed like forever, they parted. Wolverine was breathing hard and Rogue's cheeks were flushed as he stared down at her for a moment. He tried to steady himself. Things were moving so fast, he wasn't sure what to do anymore. Rogue didn't seem to notice his hesitation, as she moved her lips to his neck. Wolverine suppressed a groan. Dammit, he was trying to be a gentleman, but she wasn't making it easy.
"Rogue, slow down. What—"?
"You wanted me to take control, Wolverine. Whatever Ah say goes," she whispered, unknowingly repeating the words he'd said to her earlier. Her mouth was right next to his ear, and the feel of her breath against his skin gave Wolverine goosebumps. He growled slightly. The Wolverine did not get goosebumps.
Wolverine moved quickly, his arms snaking her body and pulled her tightly to him. One of his hands came up to bring her head to his and allow him to claim her mouth again. Rogue gave in to the kiss for a moment before shifting in his arms. Sliding out of his grip, she slid down his body, running her mouth lightly down his bare chest before kneeling down in front of him. Wolverine gritted his teeth as her fingers worked to unfasten his jeans. A voice in his head kept yelling for him to stop her, but Wolverine was too aroused to stop now.
As she finally removed his pants, Wolverine reached down to pull her to her feet. Things were too one sided and the beast in him wanted to take control.
However, Rogue seemed to have other plans. Wolverine growled low in his throat when her mouth touched the most sensitive flesh on his body. He tried to pull away, but Rogue increased her efforts and a shudder wracked his body. Giving over to the sensations, he felt his senses flare up. He could smell his own arousal mingling with the musky scent of Rogue's and the combination sent him over the edge. As his climax washed over him, waves of pleasure wracked his body and suddenly everything went black.
* * *
"Wolverine, are you all right?"
Wolverine's eyes shot open. Bolting upright, he found himself sitting on the cot back in the infirmary. Confused, he stared for a moment at the Professor before looking around. When his eyes fell on Rogue's prone body lying on the bed beside him, the memory of what had just happened slammed into him. In a flash he ripped off the metal device on his head and jumped off of the cot.
Professor Xavier watched him closely.
"Wolverine?"
Wolverine's eyes darted to the Professor's face.
"What happened? Why am I back?" he demanded.
Xavier raised his eyebrows. "You and Rogue did not enter the portal?"
Wolverine shook his head.
Xavier smiled. "Well then, may I ask, how did you get her to visualize taking control?"
A flush colored Wolverine's face and he glared at the Professor.
"What the Hell's that supposed to mean?"
The Professor remained calm. "The image of the portal was merely a way for Rogue to visualize taking control. By stepping through the portal, Rogue was asserting her power. Obviously, you found another way for her to affirm control."
Wolverine opened his mouth to say something and then closed it. He seemed to mull something over before speaking again.
"You seem positive that Rogue took control. What makes you so sure?" he asked suspiciously.
Xavier smiled again and nodded his head towards Rogue's bed. Wolverine looked down and his heart nearly stopped as he found himself staring into a pair of amber eyes, with black feline slits in their center. Rogue was awake.