Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men. Evie is my character.

/Personal thoughts/

~~telepathic communications~~

Chapter 10

Storm pulled violently away from him. "NO!" She screamed as she rose from the ground and flew back to the village.

Logan turned quickly and looked at Shalimar for only a moment before he took off running. He knew that she would get the others back safely.

He got back to the village and immediately caught the scent of the sweetness he recognized as Ororo, but there was something else that almost completely overpowered that familiarity. Fear. It was infinitely more intense this time and he knew he had to be with her, to do something, anything to take it away. As he approached the house he could hear her repeating to herself, "No, I cannot, No, I cannot." He stood in the doorway, brokenhearted to see one of the strongest people he knew, sitting with her knees clutched to her chest, rocking and shaking like a frightened child. Softly he called, "Ro,…"

Looking up with her tear streaked face, she rose and ran into his arms, still shaking and chanting. He picked her up and carried her to the bed. Holding her tightly he let her press into his arms as he whispered soft words of comfort to her.

30 minutes of his support finally stopped her shaking and she was able to pull her face from his chest. Looking up through her tears, into his eyes, she saw the concern he held for her and the power in their depth. She turned and leaned her back against him but held his arms securely wrapped around her and intertwined her fingers with his. She needed his strength and protection.

Logan freely offered her whatever she needed. They sat in silence as Logan allowed her the time she needed to gather her thoughts and feelings. He firmly held her as he rested his head against hers and lost himself in his thoughts. /This is where she belongs. I really do love her. It feels so right. I need to protect her. She's not a doll. I've seen her fight and beat the worst of enemies. This isn't weakness or frailty. This is something much deeper. I want to be here for her for the rest of our lives. How do I let her know, without coming off sounding macho or shallow?/ For the moment he knew he just had to hold her until she no longer needed his strength.

Soon Shalimar came in with the rest and they all just sat quietly waiting.

After a few moments, Ororo slowly looked up and met her sister's concerned eyes. Logan released her as she moved away. "It is…the Shadow King."

Onnaka's eyes widened as she gasped and ran to embrace her sister. "Oh, Sister, I am so sorry. Had I known…"

"You still would have had to call." Now Storm seemed to be very much in command of her emotions.

Logan looked on, proud and amazed at the strength she now displayed as she continued.

"You would still have been able to do nothing. He left us no choice but to face him."

"Storm," Wolverine got her attention.

Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes to further control the fear, she began to explain. "When I was very young there was a great ancient evil that was released from deep within the mountain. He was an entity of pure energy wanting nothing more than to rule our world. It became apparent that he could enter a person's mind and take control of their body, forcing their will aside and using them to accomplish his purposes. My powers had just manifested and he took control of me, forcing me to do his bidding. I was very strong and occasionally could break through and regain myself. He used me to wreak havoc on the continent for years, until Professor Xavier came and helped me to force him out. Then the professor trapped him in the astral plane, a parallel plane of existence to this one."

"And now he's back," Brennan spoke. "He used the villagers to lure you here. Wolverine was right. It was a trap."

Onnaka, who had moved to sit beside her sister added, "When he had control of her before, he nearly drove her mad. If the professor had not succeeded she was planning to sacrifice herself to be free of him."

That was all Logan needed to hear. "We have to get you out of here, now," he growled.

"No, Logan." She put a soothing hand on his arm. "I have no choice. I must face him." Her voice was soft yet determined.

"But how?" Evie asked.

"I am not sure. I only know that I must get my people free."

"Maybe we should let the professor know what's going on." Shalimar offered.

"You're right. You and I'll call him now. Brennan, you go stand watch out front." Wolverine was never one to ask for help but was realizing the value of being a part of a team.

"Logan, Shalimar, what is your status?" Professor X knew by the worry on their faces that all was not well.

"It's the Shadow King." Logan saw the older man on the screen turn pale. "He wants…," Logan didn't want to say it.

"Ororo," Charles finished for him. "I know." He rubbed his temples then looked up more resolute. "Wolverine, you must try to keep your team away from him. Storm is the one who must be most protected. He will not make it easy for you. And if I know, Ororo…neither will she. I am sorry, Logan. I will recall Cyclops and Jean and we will meet you as soon as possible."

"Professor, Marie?" Shalimar asked.

"Adam felt they were ready to begin. The procedure started this morning. He doesn't think they will be done before evening. When I arrive I will tell you anything else that develops. Please be careful." The screen went blank and the two stood there for a moment before going back. Shalimar could smell the rage and concern growing in Logan. She took his hands as he looked at her. "We'll all handle this together, Logan."

He squeezed her hands letting her feel his appreciation. "I know, Darlin'. I can't let anything happen to her. I have to be able to tell her. I just don't know how."

She smiled up at him. "When the time is right, you'll know. Don't worry."

Earlier that morning, the people left in the mansion were busy preparing for what the day might bring.

In the lab, Hank and Adam had just finished a meeting in which they discussed the results of all the tests they had performed. They were smiling wide as they approached Marie and Remy who were sitting on one of the med beds.

"Well, would you like the good news or the bad news?" Adam just couldn't help himself. He was too used to playful banter with his team and now the X Men were almost just as close to him.

"Remy, don' like the sound of havin' to get bot kinds. Maybe we should get de good news first." Marie just nodded almost too afraid to hear either.

"Well, it seems," Hank began, "that the initial tests proved correct. The procedure does indeed look promising. There are the mild side effects of being sore and uncomfortable for a few days but that should fade quickly. It seems there is a very good chance that everything we have worked on will prove beneficial for you; so beneficial, in fact, that we have decided to begin the procedure today, …with your consent of course."

Marie smiled and began to cry. She leaned against Remy who put his arms around her and held her tight until she moved away. "Ah can't believe that you think you actually have a way for me to control my powers. Ah was really expecting you both to come in here and tell me that it was all a fluke and that it would never work."

"Hold on, Chere. Remy don' want to spoil de happy moment but Adam said dere was also bad news. What would dat be?"

Smiling wide and enjoying the looks of confusion on both their faces he looked at Hank and then down as he said, "You will have to undergo the treatment wearing these." Bringing his arms around from behind him, Adam held out a small black tube top and a pair of black tap pants. "I know that it's not your usual attire but it's the only thing the scanner is able to scan through and not have the need to adjust the readings."

Marie's eyes went wide as she grabbed the tiny pieces of cloth from Adam's hands and began to blush as Remy made soft wolfish whistles.

"Remy don' tink dat bad news at all, Chere. It'd be most pleasin' to see you in dose."

"Well, Ah hope your eyesight is real good because you'll be watchin' from the other side of the room." Marie glared, daring him to defy her. Then turning to the other men in the room, she ordered, "And you two better be wearing double layer gloves or you're not comin' anywhere near this gal."

"Don't worry, Marie." Hank smiled at his friend. "We won't let anything happen to anyone. This will run as smooth as silk."

In a short time Rogue was changed and reclining in a scan chair ready to begin her long treatment. Professor X had come in to wish her well and speak to her briefly before it all started. She covered with a sheet to feel more comfortable as Kitty and Jubilee came in to lend their support. She was grateful for the love they showed her. She knew that even without being able to physically touch them that they were her friends and loved her. Jesse and Emma came in to give their well wishes and assure her that all the others who were on the missions were also thinking of her. The girls and Jesse left as the professor along with Adam and Hank went to one side of the room to discuss her sedation. Remy slowly came up to her side.

"Don't leave me." Her eyes were moist.

"Remy's not gonna leave dis room widout you."

"There's still a chance this might not work."

"Dis will work. Den you and me go away. Remy take you to an island somewhere so you can finally get a tan." He smiled as she punched his arm careful not to touch the skin that showed out of the short sleeve tee shirt he wore. He took a scarf out of his back pocket and slid it carefully over her mouth and nose. Leaning close to her he whispered, "Remy love you so much, Chere." With that, he kissed her through the cloth.

"Ah love you, too," she whispered as he moved away and the others returned to her.

"Are you ready now, Marie?" the professor asked.

"Ah guess."

"Good. Now just relax and we will be greeting you as you wake before you know it." He put his hands on either side of her head without touching her and leaned toward her as his mind entered hers. She looked at Remy until her eyes just would not remain open any longer.

After being assured that she was unconscious and would be for a long while, Hank removed the sheet and began his work with Adam, as Remy watched and provided any minor assistance they required.

After lunch the professor received the call from Logan and Shalimar. He immediately recalled Scott and Jean. They would be back in a couple of hours. Sitting in his office, he wondered how they would be able to fight the Shadow King this time. Before, they were able to trap him in the astral plane. Having fallen for that tactic once, he would not likely be taken that way again. Charles only prayed for the ability to yet again go against the Shadow King and prevail.

Across the globe that afternoon, Shalimar was out patrolling the perimeter of the village. Suddenly, she was running back into the house. Wolverine heard her approach and was already at the door to let her in. Brennan stood when he saw her. "There's a group of 11 on their way," she told them, "and I don't think they're here to welcome us to the neighborhood."

"Well, that's it. No time to wait for Chuck. Looks like we do this my way. Outside," he commanded, "and everyone keep close. Don't let'em draw you away from the center of the village. Onnaka and Evie, maybe you both should stay in here."

"I can fight! I will be fine," Onnaka clearly let him know her determination.

"I will not be treated like a China Doll. I can hold my own." Logan saw Shalimar smile and put her hand on Evie's arm. Brennan smiled approvingly and said, "She's tougher than she looks." Evie was glad to know her trainer had full confidence in her abilities. Logan looked at her trying to accept what he heard.

Turning and looking to Ororo, Logan saw the distance on her face. He walked over, knelt in front of her and took her hands in his. "Ro,…Darlin'?" his voice was full of concern. It broke his heart to see her so scared.

Finally looking into his eyes, she found something in them that seemed to bring her back and give her the strength she needed to shake the despair that was holding her. She sat up straighter and took a deep breath as fear was replaced by calm strength. "I am fine, Logan. Let us go."

"Good girl." He was proud of her and couldn't help but admire her fortitude.

Shalimar and Wolverine were the first to hear the approach of the men and led the group out. Once there, they stood firm as the men halted and the leader stepped forward. "Sister, come with us and I will release the others. There is nothing else you can do. Fighting will only get you and your friends hurt."

"Jaku," Ororo took one step closer. "I will not give myself to the Shadow King. You know the destruction he will cause. He will only turn and force me to destroy all of you."

"No, you see, in return for you, he will give me the rule of the jungle, second only to him. I will get everything I deserve, everything Saket and Onnaka denied me. Now, come!" Seeing Ororo step back to stand with her friends he shook his head and then gave the signal to attack. He, himself, stayed back to watch his men make the capture.

Immediately, there was the clamor of fists and kicks. Wolverine kept tight control and just punched and kicked the three men who made the ill-fated decision to attack him. Brennan likewise was easily fending off three. The men seemed to underestimate the women as they only fought one to one. Shalimar took only moments to get her attacker to hit the ground unconscious. Storm fought as the skies darkened and thunder rumbled. She too, neutralized her attacker in moments. Both joined their teammates and six more bodies littered the area.

Evie was able to effortlessly call upon all the lessons her friends had taught her. Emma's self concentration, Shalimar's aggression and Brennan's training were all easily put into action. She was now grateful for all the time Adam insisted she work out and practice.

Logan stood with his arms folded across his chest. "You're right; she is stronger than she looks. Adam's a lucky man. I'll have to remember to tell him." Within moments Brennan proudly watched her walk over to stand with him.

From a distance the altercation was being closely watched with much interest.

Onnaka fended off her assailant and thought he was knocked out. She turned to walk to her sister when the man behind her rose to his feet and held a broad stick above his head ready to strike. "Onnaka!" Shalimar screamed. Brennan quickly turned his wrist and threw a blue bolt which sailed passed Onnaka and struck the man, throwing him back against a nearby tree.

Suddenly the Shadow King had his focus on someone other than Storm. "My, what an interesting development," he was pleasantly surprised to see this new person with abilities which made him think about changing his plans.

As the team regrouped, Brennan stood behind Shalimar and put his arm over her shoulder. Wolverine walked up. "Is everyone all right?" he asked. As everyone nodded their reply Brennan suddenly fell back three steps and put his hands to his head before regaining his balance and standing upright.

Shalimar turned and was about to grab his arm when he looked up at her with eyes glowing red and a twisted smile on his face. She gasped as she felt Wolverine pull her back against him.

"Ah, Storm. It is so nice to see you again." Brennan's mouth moved as the deep husky voice of the Shadow King flowed over his lips. "I am pleased with the gift you bring me. He is almost as difficult to control as you are."

All heard the now familiar sound of adamantium being released as Wolverine stepped in front of his team.

Refocusing the red blaze he spoke again. "Do you really think that will do anything but hurt this body? You foolish creatures have no comprehension of whom it is that stands before you. Storm, you really must enlighten them."

Wolverine struggled to defy his instinct to go on the offensive. Storm and Shalimar both put calming hands on Wolverine's tensed arms, fearing for Brennan. The contact gave them all a sense of solidarity as they stood opposing the evil before them, and Wolverine retracted his claws.

Looking down at his hands as blue swirls danced from finger to finger, the Shadow King again put on that twisted smile that looked so foreign on Brennan's handsome face. "He certainly doesn't have all your abilities but his are quite impressive." As a test he threw his hand forward and released a bolt which sailed just over Wolverine's shoulder and seared a tree behind him.

Without flinching, Wolverine stood defiant as the Shadow King laughed.

Seeing his master in control, Jaku came forth from his hiding place.

"Jaku, go back and release the villagers. They are of no further use to me. The child must stay, though."

"Yes, My King." Jaku ran off.

Onnaka ran forward only to be caught and held in place by Evie. "No, please you must release my daughter. She is sick." Tears streaked her face.

"The child will stay where she is. Having this body is not enough. I still require Storm's abilities but now she will work of her own accord."

"I will never work for you." Storm's voice was calm and strong.

"You will come to me or the child and this man will die. Then I will take you as before. I will give you one hour to decide." With that he forced the energies from his hands, rose from the ground and passed from view.

TBC