Disclaimer: I do not own, nor am I making any money from, the X-Men
characters. Thank you to Corrinth for the loan of Ilehana Xavier. Blaze is,
always has been, and forever will be mine, so there!
A/N: This chapter has been a nightmare to write, mostly coz its so important, so I apologise if it's a little stunted. Don't forget to review!
Scene 10
The hotel shone out, light brightly from every angle by diamond spotlights as it exuded sumptuousness. Limo after limo pulled up outside the building, security guards working overtime as the powerful and intellectual men of America rubbed elbows along side each other. Politicians, doctors, academics and even the odd film star waved to the news crew gathered outside the building. With the troubles across the country from the Friends of Humanity, tonight was a night of great importance as those that mattered tried to show they were not afraid, that normal life could carry on regardless. In their own limousine, Gambit and Blaze, more used to skulking through the underworld than putting themselves in the public eye, were undoubtedly nervous as the car stopped dead. Xavier did not try and put them at ease, this was for them a night to put out a better image of mutants to the world. It was work, not play, and he needed both his X-Men with their minds on the job.
Entering the building past the camera flashes and other Ball guests, the three mutants were all equally overwhelmed by the luxury of the hotel reception. Fairy lights twinkled in every corner, water bubbled from Romanesque fountains and the crimson carpet was inches deep. The ballroom itself was even more spectacular, packed with familiar and unfamiliar faces alike all dressed to impress. Small, even cosy round tables covered in starched white tablecloths flitted across the wide room in an arch before the dance floor. A string quartet played Mozart with passion, and on the high table a face instantly recognisable to Charles Xavier smiled almost cruelly at him.
"Is that Senator Kelly?" Blaze asked her boss as the three of them cleared the doorway. She already knew the story of how Mystique had stolen the Senator's identity when the real Senator fell victim to Magneto.
"It is." Xavier confirmed Mystique's identity. "I have a feeling tonight may prove every interesting."
"Well, wonders never cease!" A friendly male voice greeted them. "Charles, it is good to see you, old friend."
"You too, Hank." The Professor shook hands heartily with the stranger before introducing him to his X-Men. "Remy, Laura, this is Dr Henry McCoy. He's an old friend of mine."
Blaze accepted a kiss on the hand from the charming doctor, internally writhing that the Professor had used her real name in public. She knew it was necessary, he could hardly introduce her to all these people as 'Blaze', but it didn't mean she was happy about it. She'd much rather not be introduced at all. Gambit shook Hank McCoy's hand firmly, finding nothing in the doctor's manner or eyes to make Gambit dislike him, only a wild strength like a beast that the calm man in front of them kept very well hidden. A mutant suppressing his powers like Blaze had done? Remy couldn't help but think that might not be so clever. Introductions over, the four began making their way to a free table, the Professor and Hank talking animatedly about current events.
"Professor Xavier?" Another strange man approached them. In his late twenties, to Gambit he reeked of politics in a tuxedo that looked more expensive than it probably was, sequined cufflinks and a fake Rolex on his wrist. "Its good of you to come."
"It was good of you to send me the tickets, Matthew." Xavier smiled kindly up at the younger man. "May I introduce you to my old friend Hank McCoy? "
"Pleased to meet you, Dr McCoy. I find your work very interesting." Matthew offered, squeezing Hank's hand as the Professor continued.
"And this is Laura and Remy, they work for me at the school. This is Matthew Cooper, he works in the Governor's office, and quite the budding politician I hear."
"Welcome, both of you." Matthew greeted Blaze and Gambit with a genuine smile, before taking a double take at Gambit's red-on-black eyes. Not acknowledging that he was unsure about being in the company of mutants, the politician tried to force the conversation. "You are both teachers then? What do you teach?"
"I teach languages," Blaze smiled, feeling sorry for the flustered young man. Had he ever met someone who was so obviously a mutant as Remy before? Did he even know the Professor was a mutant? "French, Spanish and German mostly."
"Really? I have a diploma in modern languages myself." Matthew enthused, "Where did you study?"
"I'se getting a drink, you want anythin' Chere?" Gambit cut in. Blaze shook her head and smiled at her friend's back as he made a hasty departure to the bar. For someone who lived at a school he really wasn't keen on intellectual discussion.
"Paris mostly, but I did travel in my studies." Blaze responded to Matthew, deliberately not answering his question. He didn't seem to notice, plucking at his sleeve nervously as they sat down.
"And your colleague? What was his name again? What does a mutant teach at a school for gifted youngsters?"
"Whatever he's qualified to, of course." Blaze answered kindly, "Being a mutant doesn't make anyone less able to teach."
"Isn't he dangerous?" Matthew met Blaze's eyes honestly, still thinking he was speaking only to another human. Blaze laughed melodically.
"Remy? Nah, much as I'm sure he'd like to think otherwise!" She glanced over to where Gambit was deep in conversation with a young girl, couldn't she take her eyes off him for one minute without him causing problems? "Matthew, if you want to learn more about mutants, come visit us at the school sometime. I mean it, an up-and-coming politician is the type of friend us mutants could really use these days." She stood gracefully in her long skirts as Matthew did likewise.
"Us mutants?" This time he was quicker to pick up on what she was implying. "You're a mutant too? But you look so... normal, no offence intended."
"None taken. But not all mutants do look different to humans, the same as no two mutants are alike themselves. Can you tell which human is dangerous just by looking at them?" Blaze felt Xavier and Hank McCoy looking at her and blushed slightly. "Excuse me."
On the other side of the hall by the bar table, a pretty young thing in a revealing plunge-necked blue satin gown asked Gambit what he did for a living. He was about to reply with something clever when a hand touched the girl's bare arm. Blaze didn't acknowledge Gambit at all, but spoke in a low but rushed tone to the girl.
"Sammy? Your father is asking for you up at the top table. Something about introducing you to someone?"
"Alright already," The girl snapped, flicking her brown hair back over her shoulder and scowling at the top table. "Sheesh, is a girl not allowed any fun?"
"Why'd you do that, Petite?" Remy was annoyed. "Gambit not allowed any fun either?"
"What now you think it was fun in jail?" Blaze snapped back, "Cause that's where you were heading just then, what with Samantha Hawley being ten years younger than you!"
"She fourteen?" Embarrassed by his near error, Gambit watched the truculent teen ascend to the top table and begin a snide argument with her Senator- father. "She sure don't look it."
"Maybe not, but that argument didn't help the barman who served her a few months back when she was done for underage drinking. Seems she'll do anything to wind her dad up, and seeing as he's about as anti-mutant as you can get I guess that's why she was hitting on you. You really got folks in a spin with those eyes of yours, Rem."
"Hum," Gambit replied, slamming his empty champagne glass back down on the table like it was a beer bottle. "Seems these folks need some stirrin' up."
"And it looks like Mystique has come to that conclusion too." To Sam Hawley's evil looks Blaze looped her arm through Gambit's as Senator Kelly rose to his feet. "Why can't she just keep her big mouth shut?"
"My fellow party guests!" Kelly-Mystique announced after clearing his/her throat loudly to get everyone's attention. "May I just take this opportunity to thank the Governor for inviting us all to this auspicious occasion."
"You can take this opportunity to naff off." Blaze muttered so only Gambit could hear her. He smiled slyly.
"It is especially important in such troublesome times that we allow ourselves time to get together as it were. To discuss with others the best way forward in a relaxed and can I say spectacular environment." Kelly continued over a ripple of muted applause. "And I will say, here and now, that there is no way in our civilized society that we can allow the terrorists that call themselves the Friends of Humanity to continue to operate..." The applause died down, Xavier leaning forward in his wheelchair was avidly waiting for Mystique to make her move. The shape- shifter paused for effect as a waiter addressed Gambit in a hushed voice.
"Mister le Beau?"
"Yeah?"
"I have a note for you." Gambit unwound himself from Blaze's arm to take the folded piece of paper. Looking sideways at her friend Blaze spoke quickly.
"If it's from that bitch Sam, I'll personally roast her alive, trying to get you in trouble."
"I call out now to all mutants the world over!" Kelly's voice boomed out again. "Do not stand for prejudice and humiliation! If you are attacked in your own home, take what measures you deem necessary to protect yourselves!" Gambit unfolded the note slowly, still listening to Mystique's call for open warfare. A single pressed cutting of a plant fell into his fingers. "Stand together and America will support you! We will drive these terrorist scum back into the hole they have crawled out of!"
All hell broke loose in the room. Senator Hawley pushed his way through the crowds of shouting men and attempted to punch Kelly across the jaw. Bodyguards swarmed in, Xavier and McCoy spoke hastily with Matthew Cooper, and hotel staff forgot what they were doing to argue loudly with guests. Blaze turned to take her cue from Remy, but he seemed unaware of the chaos around them, gently turning the dried plant over in his fingers.
"Belladonna." He muttered, not even showing that he knew Blaze was there.
"Took?" Blaze cut in, placing a hand on his wrist. He looked at her, confused. "Tolkien, you really should read more."
"She an assassin; sends deadly nightshade as a sign you her next target." Gambit's voice was deadpan as he brushed a purple flower with a finger. "Gambit have to go."
"Why, Rem? Please..." Blaze's panicky pleading fell on deaf ears as Gambit turned and simply walked away. "Please don't leave me again..."
**Blaze? Are you all right? ** Xavier could sense Blaze's upset even as she started to run after Gambit, pushing the riotous crowds away to each side. **Let him go, Blaze. I need you here. **
**It's her, isn't it? ** Blaze stopped in her tracks having lost sight of Gambit completely. Choking she fought back both tears and the desire to kill someone, anyone, but preferably Gambit. **Belladonna. She's the one who broke his heart. The one he's been running from all these years. **
**I believe so. ** Xavier's mind voice was kind. **He'll be fine, Blaze. Trust me, I will keep an eye on him with Cerebro and make sure he is okay. But I need you here. Mystique's words have come at the worst time; they will incite the war out onto the streets... Blaze MOVE! **
Blaze hit the deck unthinking as a bullet ripped through the air towards her. Xavier had barely sensed the shooter on the edge of his awareness in time. Suddenly with a cloud of blue-purple smoke, a familiar form appeared, wrapped an arm around Blaze's waist and disappeared again. Arguments turned to mass panic as the gathered guests realised what was going on. Crowds flocked to the doors as Xavier moved to examine the spot where Blaze had been before Kurt's timely rescue. The bullet hole was positioned exactly where her head had been after Xavier had told her to move.
"It appears the shooter knew you were going to warn Laura." Hank McCoy put a hand on Xavier's shoulder. "In which case, I think it wise not to remain here any longer."
A/N: This chapter has been a nightmare to write, mostly coz its so important, so I apologise if it's a little stunted. Don't forget to review!
Scene 10
The hotel shone out, light brightly from every angle by diamond spotlights as it exuded sumptuousness. Limo after limo pulled up outside the building, security guards working overtime as the powerful and intellectual men of America rubbed elbows along side each other. Politicians, doctors, academics and even the odd film star waved to the news crew gathered outside the building. With the troubles across the country from the Friends of Humanity, tonight was a night of great importance as those that mattered tried to show they were not afraid, that normal life could carry on regardless. In their own limousine, Gambit and Blaze, more used to skulking through the underworld than putting themselves in the public eye, were undoubtedly nervous as the car stopped dead. Xavier did not try and put them at ease, this was for them a night to put out a better image of mutants to the world. It was work, not play, and he needed both his X-Men with their minds on the job.
Entering the building past the camera flashes and other Ball guests, the three mutants were all equally overwhelmed by the luxury of the hotel reception. Fairy lights twinkled in every corner, water bubbled from Romanesque fountains and the crimson carpet was inches deep. The ballroom itself was even more spectacular, packed with familiar and unfamiliar faces alike all dressed to impress. Small, even cosy round tables covered in starched white tablecloths flitted across the wide room in an arch before the dance floor. A string quartet played Mozart with passion, and on the high table a face instantly recognisable to Charles Xavier smiled almost cruelly at him.
"Is that Senator Kelly?" Blaze asked her boss as the three of them cleared the doorway. She already knew the story of how Mystique had stolen the Senator's identity when the real Senator fell victim to Magneto.
"It is." Xavier confirmed Mystique's identity. "I have a feeling tonight may prove every interesting."
"Well, wonders never cease!" A friendly male voice greeted them. "Charles, it is good to see you, old friend."
"You too, Hank." The Professor shook hands heartily with the stranger before introducing him to his X-Men. "Remy, Laura, this is Dr Henry McCoy. He's an old friend of mine."
Blaze accepted a kiss on the hand from the charming doctor, internally writhing that the Professor had used her real name in public. She knew it was necessary, he could hardly introduce her to all these people as 'Blaze', but it didn't mean she was happy about it. She'd much rather not be introduced at all. Gambit shook Hank McCoy's hand firmly, finding nothing in the doctor's manner or eyes to make Gambit dislike him, only a wild strength like a beast that the calm man in front of them kept very well hidden. A mutant suppressing his powers like Blaze had done? Remy couldn't help but think that might not be so clever. Introductions over, the four began making their way to a free table, the Professor and Hank talking animatedly about current events.
"Professor Xavier?" Another strange man approached them. In his late twenties, to Gambit he reeked of politics in a tuxedo that looked more expensive than it probably was, sequined cufflinks and a fake Rolex on his wrist. "Its good of you to come."
"It was good of you to send me the tickets, Matthew." Xavier smiled kindly up at the younger man. "May I introduce you to my old friend Hank McCoy? "
"Pleased to meet you, Dr McCoy. I find your work very interesting." Matthew offered, squeezing Hank's hand as the Professor continued.
"And this is Laura and Remy, they work for me at the school. This is Matthew Cooper, he works in the Governor's office, and quite the budding politician I hear."
"Welcome, both of you." Matthew greeted Blaze and Gambit with a genuine smile, before taking a double take at Gambit's red-on-black eyes. Not acknowledging that he was unsure about being in the company of mutants, the politician tried to force the conversation. "You are both teachers then? What do you teach?"
"I teach languages," Blaze smiled, feeling sorry for the flustered young man. Had he ever met someone who was so obviously a mutant as Remy before? Did he even know the Professor was a mutant? "French, Spanish and German mostly."
"Really? I have a diploma in modern languages myself." Matthew enthused, "Where did you study?"
"I'se getting a drink, you want anythin' Chere?" Gambit cut in. Blaze shook her head and smiled at her friend's back as he made a hasty departure to the bar. For someone who lived at a school he really wasn't keen on intellectual discussion.
"Paris mostly, but I did travel in my studies." Blaze responded to Matthew, deliberately not answering his question. He didn't seem to notice, plucking at his sleeve nervously as they sat down.
"And your colleague? What was his name again? What does a mutant teach at a school for gifted youngsters?"
"Whatever he's qualified to, of course." Blaze answered kindly, "Being a mutant doesn't make anyone less able to teach."
"Isn't he dangerous?" Matthew met Blaze's eyes honestly, still thinking he was speaking only to another human. Blaze laughed melodically.
"Remy? Nah, much as I'm sure he'd like to think otherwise!" She glanced over to where Gambit was deep in conversation with a young girl, couldn't she take her eyes off him for one minute without him causing problems? "Matthew, if you want to learn more about mutants, come visit us at the school sometime. I mean it, an up-and-coming politician is the type of friend us mutants could really use these days." She stood gracefully in her long skirts as Matthew did likewise.
"Us mutants?" This time he was quicker to pick up on what she was implying. "You're a mutant too? But you look so... normal, no offence intended."
"None taken. But not all mutants do look different to humans, the same as no two mutants are alike themselves. Can you tell which human is dangerous just by looking at them?" Blaze felt Xavier and Hank McCoy looking at her and blushed slightly. "Excuse me."
On the other side of the hall by the bar table, a pretty young thing in a revealing plunge-necked blue satin gown asked Gambit what he did for a living. He was about to reply with something clever when a hand touched the girl's bare arm. Blaze didn't acknowledge Gambit at all, but spoke in a low but rushed tone to the girl.
"Sammy? Your father is asking for you up at the top table. Something about introducing you to someone?"
"Alright already," The girl snapped, flicking her brown hair back over her shoulder and scowling at the top table. "Sheesh, is a girl not allowed any fun?"
"Why'd you do that, Petite?" Remy was annoyed. "Gambit not allowed any fun either?"
"What now you think it was fun in jail?" Blaze snapped back, "Cause that's where you were heading just then, what with Samantha Hawley being ten years younger than you!"
"She fourteen?" Embarrassed by his near error, Gambit watched the truculent teen ascend to the top table and begin a snide argument with her Senator- father. "She sure don't look it."
"Maybe not, but that argument didn't help the barman who served her a few months back when she was done for underage drinking. Seems she'll do anything to wind her dad up, and seeing as he's about as anti-mutant as you can get I guess that's why she was hitting on you. You really got folks in a spin with those eyes of yours, Rem."
"Hum," Gambit replied, slamming his empty champagne glass back down on the table like it was a beer bottle. "Seems these folks need some stirrin' up."
"And it looks like Mystique has come to that conclusion too." To Sam Hawley's evil looks Blaze looped her arm through Gambit's as Senator Kelly rose to his feet. "Why can't she just keep her big mouth shut?"
"My fellow party guests!" Kelly-Mystique announced after clearing his/her throat loudly to get everyone's attention. "May I just take this opportunity to thank the Governor for inviting us all to this auspicious occasion."
"You can take this opportunity to naff off." Blaze muttered so only Gambit could hear her. He smiled slyly.
"It is especially important in such troublesome times that we allow ourselves time to get together as it were. To discuss with others the best way forward in a relaxed and can I say spectacular environment." Kelly continued over a ripple of muted applause. "And I will say, here and now, that there is no way in our civilized society that we can allow the terrorists that call themselves the Friends of Humanity to continue to operate..." The applause died down, Xavier leaning forward in his wheelchair was avidly waiting for Mystique to make her move. The shape- shifter paused for effect as a waiter addressed Gambit in a hushed voice.
"Mister le Beau?"
"Yeah?"
"I have a note for you." Gambit unwound himself from Blaze's arm to take the folded piece of paper. Looking sideways at her friend Blaze spoke quickly.
"If it's from that bitch Sam, I'll personally roast her alive, trying to get you in trouble."
"I call out now to all mutants the world over!" Kelly's voice boomed out again. "Do not stand for prejudice and humiliation! If you are attacked in your own home, take what measures you deem necessary to protect yourselves!" Gambit unfolded the note slowly, still listening to Mystique's call for open warfare. A single pressed cutting of a plant fell into his fingers. "Stand together and America will support you! We will drive these terrorist scum back into the hole they have crawled out of!"
All hell broke loose in the room. Senator Hawley pushed his way through the crowds of shouting men and attempted to punch Kelly across the jaw. Bodyguards swarmed in, Xavier and McCoy spoke hastily with Matthew Cooper, and hotel staff forgot what they were doing to argue loudly with guests. Blaze turned to take her cue from Remy, but he seemed unaware of the chaos around them, gently turning the dried plant over in his fingers.
"Belladonna." He muttered, not even showing that he knew Blaze was there.
"Took?" Blaze cut in, placing a hand on his wrist. He looked at her, confused. "Tolkien, you really should read more."
"She an assassin; sends deadly nightshade as a sign you her next target." Gambit's voice was deadpan as he brushed a purple flower with a finger. "Gambit have to go."
"Why, Rem? Please..." Blaze's panicky pleading fell on deaf ears as Gambit turned and simply walked away. "Please don't leave me again..."
**Blaze? Are you all right? ** Xavier could sense Blaze's upset even as she started to run after Gambit, pushing the riotous crowds away to each side. **Let him go, Blaze. I need you here. **
**It's her, isn't it? ** Blaze stopped in her tracks having lost sight of Gambit completely. Choking she fought back both tears and the desire to kill someone, anyone, but preferably Gambit. **Belladonna. She's the one who broke his heart. The one he's been running from all these years. **
**I believe so. ** Xavier's mind voice was kind. **He'll be fine, Blaze. Trust me, I will keep an eye on him with Cerebro and make sure he is okay. But I need you here. Mystique's words have come at the worst time; they will incite the war out onto the streets... Blaze MOVE! **
Blaze hit the deck unthinking as a bullet ripped through the air towards her. Xavier had barely sensed the shooter on the edge of his awareness in time. Suddenly with a cloud of blue-purple smoke, a familiar form appeared, wrapped an arm around Blaze's waist and disappeared again. Arguments turned to mass panic as the gathered guests realised what was going on. Crowds flocked to the doors as Xavier moved to examine the spot where Blaze had been before Kurt's timely rescue. The bullet hole was positioned exactly where her head had been after Xavier had told her to move.
"It appears the shooter knew you were going to warn Laura." Hank McCoy put a hand on Xavier's shoulder. "In which case, I think it wise not to remain here any longer."