APOCALYPSE

I do not own, you do not sue. You comment, I write. (for the long, eloquent version, see the prologue.)
Yes, yes, another author's note: I just wanted to thank a certain little person for pointing out my grammatical mistakes. I can condole typos, it happens to the best of us, but grammar is sacred to me, and I hate myself when I realize I've made a mistake. I have corrected "these" :) errors you've pointed out. You know, for the future generation of readers and all. I did try to pay more attention this time, but feel free to point out more mistakes.
On with the story!


CHAPTER FOUR:

LEFT BEHIND

The goddess was speaking to her. She had been speaking to her for days. Nature's essence was glowing brighter than ever, reminding her of the climax of a song; when you know the tune is about to end, but yet you enjoy it the most. Everything seemed greener, the scents where stronger, the air was filled with energy.
Ororo Munroe contemplated the little haven that was her room and how the soft breeze coming from her open window played with the leaves causing a ruffle that to her sounded like a song. She was perfectly attuned with that living force surrounding her. She was a part of it all, and she was at peace.
The sound of an envelope being slipped under her door broke the perfect harmony, and she was brought back from her musings. She walked slowly to the white piece of paper and picked it up, recognizing the handwriting. It simply read 'Stormy'. She opened her door out of curiosity, and saw the retreating figure on the hallway. Kindly, she spoke up.

"Remy?" he stopped on his tracks and turned around, smiling slightly.

"Stormy, y' don' let an homme leave wit' his dignity intact, n'est ce pas?" he said sadly, and Storm frowned.

"Leave? Where are you going?" Remy sighed.

"I need a vacation, is all. It's all in de letter. I have to go now; adieu, mon amie." He said hastily and turned around again to leave.

"Wait! What does it say? Lets read it!" she said faking enthusiasm, knowing Remy was hiding something. She was startled though, when he turned around, pale as the piece of paper in her hand, and tried to snatch the letter from her hands.

"Non! Y' can' read it now!" he yelled, awfully upset.

"Remy, let go this instant! Calm down and tell me what this is about!" She used her most severe tone; one that was usually reserved for the younger people, but that had proved to be useful with the Cajun she thought of as her brother, who was prone to childish behavior, though obviously of a different nature than Bobby's. His eyes met hers pleadingly and she smiled.

"I won't read it until you leave. But you are not leaving until you tell me where you're going and what has gotten you so upset."

"I can' tell y'." He lowered his gaze.

"Why can't you?"

"Is somet'ing I need to deal with by myself. Dat's why I'l leavin'" She nodded.

"I can understand that. When will you be back?"

"I won' be back Stormy." His voice cracked, and her heart sank.

"Why Remy? What's going on?! Are you in trouble?" he nodded.

"Oui, Remy is in trouble."

"Then why leave? Stay, and we'll help you!"

"Non, I can'. Y'll understand when you read de letter."
Storm sighed.

"Why are you running away from us, Remy?"

"'Cause I'm a coward, an' I don' wan' to be one anymore." He said in a small voice. He brows knitted together in confusion.

"How can you say you're a coward, brother? After all we've faced, all you've been through..." he smiled and shook his head.

"A coward is de one who can' face his fears, Stormy. I ain' afraid of de bad guys. I ain' afraid of de battle. It's more complicated dan dat."

"And your solution is to run away from us?! Abandon your family? Again?! That doesn't make sense!" she yelled in frustration.

"Stormy, I have to leave. I must. Y'll understand later. But I ain' runnin' away. I hope y' understand." One tear escaped her eye and she hugged him tightly.

"I don't, brother, but I can tell you need this. Please reconsider and come back after whatever it is you need to face."

"I wish y'll t'ink dat after readin' de letter. Will y' take care of Marie? Tell her I love her?"

"I will, brother. Please take care of yourself."

"J'taime Stormy, I'll miss y'."

"I'll miss you too, Remy, and I love you."

She watched him leave, leaning on the rail of the stairs, and letting her tears flow freely. She wondered why she hadn't put up more of a fight. She'd accepted what he'd said too quickly, and now she regretted it. A soft drizzle started to fall over the mansion, and she forced herself to stay calmed. The last thing she wanted was to cause her brother to drive through the rain.
She stared at the envelope for a while before opening it and starting to read.

"Dear Stormy:
I am writing this because I can't even think of being there and seeing the expression on your face when you find out what I have to tell you.
I won't make it long, won't try to justify myself, I'll just get to the point, since I'm sure you'll hate me afterwards and if I make it quick, maybe I won't hurt you as much. Like pulling out a band-aid.
Remember when you found me on the tunnels? The night of the anniversary of the Morlocks' massacre, and I told you why I was there?

I lied Stormy. I was there out of guilt.

Never mind the why, the thing is that I've worked for Sinister in the past, before I joined the X men. I gathered the marauders. It was I who led them through the tunnels.
I can only say for myself that I did not know their intentions when I did it. I did not know they where going to kill them like they did. And I did try to stop them. I tell this to myself over and over again. It's the only thing I have left to keep my sanity.
There are no words for me to express how sorry I am. About my past, about lying to you all and about hurting you now.
Please don't come after me. I'm sure you all will want to punish me like I deserve to be punished, but I fear for your safety if you do so. I have the feeling that I'll be judged anyway, and I've learned to trust my feelings the past few days.
All I can say is that I did not lie when I told you I love you, you've been my one true friend. I am not leaving just because I'm afraid of your hatred, the one I'm sure you feel for me by now. I'm leaving to do the right thing and for once face the one thing I fear the most. That would be myself.
I'll miss you with all my heart, mon amie. I'm sorry.

Remy LeBeau."

She sat on the floor next to her door. Thunder and lightning raged outside, reflecting her torment.
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