A/N - I apologize that it took so long to put out this
chapter but I had a hard time putting the little bits and pieces that I'd
scribbled here and there together to make this work. It's kind of a transition
chapter setting the story up for Logan's big discovery. It's also much longer.
On another note I accidentally put up another story called "Ride the Wind" and
I apologize for that. Someone reviewed that and asked me if I was ever going to
finish the stories I already had out and I don't blame them for asking! I
usually work on one or two stories at a time unless I put up a one shot piece.
My friend, Skyz suggested I put the omniscient phrase: "The End" when I finish
a story so I guess I'll have to consider that.
Currently I'm working on just two stories, which are "My Heart My Home" and
"Saints and Sinners" which is a fun piece with a different type of Ororo and
Logan. That's it. Everything else is finished. I'm sorry for any inconvenience
I may have caused and I especially apologize for putting up "Ride the Wind" by
mistake. I was just trying to go through the steps of how to upload a story so
I could help out someone who e-mailed me asking me how to post stories. Silly
me. Anyway I do appreciate the reviews for that story and I hope you enjoy this
chapter. And thank you for the reviews for chapter ten for this story! Thanks
bunches! Now on to Chapter Eleven!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chapter Eleven – Decisions
After leaving Logan's room Ororo stood outside his door for some time, her hand
still holding the door knob, her forehead pressed against the hard wood as if
she wanted to go back in but couldn't make up her mind.
"Ororo is there something wrong?" Professor Xavier's voice called out from down
the hall.
She turned around, her chest rising and falling slowly as she collected herself
while she waited for Kurt to wheel him down the hall.
"I don't know but that's irrelevant right now. Logan and I have met the person
who attacked us. She's an old friend of his and she believes someone's trying
to kill him. She – at the museum she was attempting to warn him without being
discovered apparently."
"She?" Kurt asked indignantly. "Did she say vhy someone vas trying to kill
him?"
"She was full of mystery and half-insane I think. She didn't seem to know the
details but said a man called the Silver Samurai wants to kill him."
"Then ve should leave," Kurt suggested.
"Logan is planning on doing just that. He doesn't want our help."
"That is madness," Kurt shook his head in disbelief.
"He must feel he's endangering us," the Professor said quietly.
"But ve are his friends and ve are the X-Men ve stick together!"
"True enough," Charles said. "But perhaps he wishes to prevent another mishap
such as the earlier one at the museum."
"Even so, Charles . . ." Ororo stated to protest but Charles cut her off.
"Even so, Ororo he must do what he feels is best. Don't forget that Logan has
had a lot of serious issues to deal with even before he met us. He is a man who
is used to working alone and not having to worry about the consequences of his
actions affecting anyone but himself and we must, above all else, respect his
wishes. But," and here he held up his hand to silence Ororo who was about to
protest again.
"I do believe the time he has spent with us, no mater how brief it's been, has
helped prepare him for whatever lies ahead and he will ask for our help if he
feels it's necessary. We have to trust his instincts."
"Vhat do you mean, Professor?" Kurt asked.
Charles looked at Ororo but said nothing else.
"Are ve not going to help him then?" Kurt demanded.
"As much as he allows, Kurt," Charles replied. "I think we can be of assistance
to him right now by finding out as much as we can about this Silver Samurai.
And if you'll excuse me I shall begin that very task." The Professor turned his
wheelchair and headed to his room.
"I don't understand Logan at all," Kurt muttered.
"I think I do," Ororo said quietly. "As much as I hate to admit it the
Professor is right. Logan simply isn't used to working as a team despite the
times he comes back to us."
"But ve are X-Men! Doesn't he vant to be part of us?"
"It's not even that I don't think. He's not like you and I – orphans who needed
and wanted a family."
"He cares very much for you," Kurt looked at Ororo as intently as Charles had
looked at her just a few minutes before.
"He cares for us all and I'm sure the Professor is right in saying he doesn't
want to risk our lives."
"I guess ve didn't defend ourselves vell at the museum. He must think ve vill
be a handicap to him then, no?"
"Everyone makes mistakes, Kurt but we always seem to survive."
They stood in the empty hallway lost in their own thoughts for a moment then
Ororo let out a slow but deep sigh.
"Are you vell, Ororo?"
"I'm just confused," She answered truthfully.
"I am here if you vould like to talk."
"N-no, I don't want to talk, Kurt but thank you."
"Vhat vill you do now?"
"I'm going to get as far away from here as I can possibly get," Ororo said
determinedly.
"Sounds like fun – may I come vith you?"
Ororo smiled at her friend and nodded. "Of course, I always enjoy your
company."
As they made their way down the hall Logan heard their retreating steps quiet
though they were. He moved away from his door and immediately began packing.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After a long day of sightseeing Kurt tried to flag down a taxi. His feet were
aching and he was sure with the mad pace Ororo had set hers must be bothering
her as well. Across the street were a line of cabs and several drivers seemed
to be arguing with a smaller man and not paying any attention to Kurt's frantic
waving.
"Vhy vill no one come to our aid?" Kurt asked.
They both watched the smaller man tug his cap down over his ears, race to a cab
and leap inside. With a squeal of wheels the small cab was cutting across the
street unmindful of traffic and screeching to a stop in front of them. Kurt
opened the door for Ororo but she stood on the sidewalk looking at the driver
thoughtfully.
"Is everything all right, Ororo?"
She nodded then slipped inside, Kurt following her. The cab roared to life
flinging them forward as their driver took off.
"Sir, could you please drive a little more carefully?" Kurt cried out as he
righted himself and checked to see if Ororo was okay. "And by any chance vould
you like to know vhere ve are going?"
Something seemed very familiar with the driver and Ororo couldn't help but
wonder. "Yukio?"
The driver turned around, grinning widely. Tipping her hat Ororo saw that her
guess had been right.
"You're good, Wind-Rider. How'd you know?" Yukio asked, nonplused.
"The way you ran to the car – so free and full of joy – utterly careless much
like your driving," Ororo replied.
"I'll have to remember that. So who's your cute friend?"
"Yukio, this is Kurt Wagner . . ."
"Formerly known as the incredible Nightcrawler," Kurt finished quite proudly.
"Night what?"
"Um . . ."
"Kurt this is the lady I was telling you about – Logan's friend. Kurt's also a
mutant," Ororo said. "Why don't you show her?"
Hesitating for only a second he disabled the image inducer revealing his true
form.
"Oh man! Wicked wild! Not just cute but hot!" Yukio gasped in earnest.
"Really?" Kurt was shocked by her reaction.
"Man, I almost wish I were a mutant so I could hang with you guys."
Speechless Kurt could only grin. Ororo laughed, pleased with Yukio's response
then she asked, "Have you seen Logan?"
"Nope. He should be on the move by now, don't ya think?"
"He is leaving us – his friends," Kurt said with a hint of reproach in his
voice.
"Yeah, that's what I figured he'd do," Yukio glanced in the rear view mirror at
Ororo who was looking out the window. "Keeping you safe, Wind-Rider."
"I beg your pardon?" Ororo turned her attention back to Yukio.
"Protect his woman an' all – you know, the manly thing to do and boy is he all
man. You oughta know that by now!"
Kurt looked at Ororo who was feeling very uncomfortable just then. She would've
teleported right out of the taxi had it been possible but instead she gritted
her teeth and said nothing.
"So how'd he lose his memory? What happened?"
"He vas experimented on as if he vere an animal."
"That how he got metal claws instead of bone ones?"
"Ja."
"I only want him to be safe, Wind-Rider," Yukio said in a sudden huff.
"If that is true then keep an eye on him. And my name is Ororo not Wind-
Rider."
Yukio chuckled. She brought the cab to a stop directly in front of their hotel.
Kurt turned his image inducer back on reluctantly before getting out.
"Wind . . . Ororo, wait!"
"Yes?"
"He'll be okay. He's the best there is at what he does," Yukio laughed.
"This isn't funny, Yukio. Is everything a joke to you?"
"Life is short. It's to be enjoyed."
"In the face of death even?" Kurt asked.
"The best time to enjoy it - you won't get another chance."
"You are mad and half suicidal," Ororo stated.
"Du spinnst . . . but cute," Kurt said under his breath.
Yukio winked and blew a kiss at Kurt as if she'd understood him. Looking at
Ororo she asked, "Can you tell me you don't get a rush when you're flying
through the sky?"
"That's altogether different! It is what I am."
"Same here."
The women eyed each other warily. Kurt finally cleared his throat moving the
car door back and forth to catch Ororo's attention. Ororo nodded slightly then
stepped out of the cab. Yukio tipped her hat again and sped off.
"If he wants you he'll be back," she shouted, her laughter trailing behind her.
Lightning lit the skies briefly as Ororo watched the cab dodge in and out of
traffic, the smell of burnt rubber slowly dissipating.
"She truly is crazy," Kurt said.
"She may be crazy, Kurt but I think her intentions are good."
"Do you think he has left yet?"
If he hadn't left Ororo doubted that they could change his mind. She shrugged
her shoulders dejectedly. Her heart felt heavier than it had in a long time.
She had thought they were getting closer and from Kurt and the Professor and
Yukio's reactions she had begun to believe she had been right. She just
couldn't believe he didn't trust them enough to let them - let her help him.
At the front desk she felt her heart leap inside her when she was told that
Logan had not yet checked out. Forcing herself to stay calm she took Kurt up on
his suggestion of dining with the Professor who had found out little more about
the Silver Samurai than what Yukio had already told them. She had little
appetite and looking around the room in hopes of seeing Logan every few seconds
wasn't helping. Finally she excused herself and headed up to her room, Charles
and Kurt looking at each other worriedly.
She couldn't resist knocking on Logan's door. Her heart sank even lower when
there was no response. She felt almost ill walking the few paces back to her
room. She would've thrown herself onto her bed had it not been for a dark
figure already on the bed. She turned a light on and stared at Logan startled
yet thrilled to find him sitting on her bed. He was clad in what looked to be
boxers but she gave his attire little thought just happy to see him. Before she
could say anything he tossed a towel at her.
"W-what . . . ?"
"Thought a vacation wasn't a vacation without hanging out at the pool?"
"It's a little late for that," Ororo stated while she tried to compose herself.
"Best time to go skinny dippin'," he grinned at her.
Ororo didn't know whether to laugh or scream. Her emotions were bordering on
relief, happiness and a touch of anger. Logan stood up and wrapped an arm
around her leading her to the door.
"I think I really should change," Ororo said. She pulled away from him
grudgingly and retrieved her swimsuit.
"Sure you're gonna need that?" Logan teased her.
"We shall see," Ororo smiled playfully.
After changing she made a quick call to the Professor to let him know she would
be at the pool then she and Logan took the elevator down.
"I thought you were leaving," Ororo asked.
"I don't wanna talk about that," Logan stated flatly.
"Actually neither do I you pigheaded man!"
"What did you just call me?" Logan looked at Ororo with a perplexed and
somewhat amused look on his face.
"A pigheaded man," Ororo said but laughed at her immature outburst.
"I'm going to get you for that, darlin!" Logan growled.
Ororo leapt off the elevator as soon as the doors opened and ran towards the
side exit with Logan close on her heels. They were both laughing when Logan
finally caught her by the pool.
"Logan, please!"
"Please what, huh?" Logan picked her up easily and carried her to the edge of
the pool.
"Oh you are pigheaded! Put me down or so help me . . . !"
"So help me what?" Logan laughed. "You gonna cry?"
"I'm going to fry your metal behind that's what! Now put me down! Aaaaiieee!"
With a great splash Logan deposited Ororo in the pool.
"Logan! Logan, I am so going to . . ." Ororo swam up to the surface sputtering,
water flying everywhere in her fury.
"Oh dear."
Both Logan and Ororo turned to see Kurt, still using his image inducer, staring
at them from a safe distance.
"You want in on this?" Logan made a step towards Kurt who wisely stepped back.
"No! No that von't be necessary, mein Freund," Kurt laughed. "I have a phone
call for you, Ororo," he held out the Professor's cell phone.
"Hello?" Ororo asked quite annoyed.
"Ororo? Hi, it's me – Jean. I tried your room and your mobile but couldn't get
through. Is everything okay?"
"As well as can be expected," Ororo eyed Logan disdainfully.
"What was all that noise?"
"Nothing serious."
"Who is it, Elf?" Logan asked when Kurt knelt down resting on his heels.
"Jean," Kurt and Ororo answered in unison.
"I have to go, Jean. Everything's fine. I'll talk to you later." Ororo ended
the call and handed the phone back to Kurt.
"It's good to see you enjoying yourself, Ororo," Kurt smiled at her. "And good
to see you, Logan. I thought you vere leaving us?"
"I am." Logan didn't look at either of them but he could sense Ororo's mood
changing.
"But ve can figure this out together!"
"It ain't got nothin' to do with the X-Men, Kurt."
"You're being foolish," Ororo said as she pulled herself up out of the pool.
"I'm being careful."
"You've no idea what to expect."
"I'll be fine if I'm on my own."
The cell phone rang in Kurt's hand and he stepped to the side to answer it.
Logan could hear his hushed whispers and he guessed Jean was calling yet again.
He dove into the water splashing Ororo in the process. Ororo cried out and
immediately dove after him. Kurt retreated hastily.
"Calm down," Logan said as he grabbed Ororo's wrists.
"I am calm!" She snapped, pulling away from him.
He smiled at her. She looked furious but still beautiful with her long white
hair plastered to her skull and her intriguing brown eyes glaring at him.
"You don't understand, Ro."
"What don't I understand? That you don't trust us enough to help you?"
"I don't want your help!" He immediately regretted his choice of words. "Don't
you know, Ro? I don't want anything to happen to you!"
Ororo stared quite dumbfounded.
"I . . . to you or Kurt or Charles," Logan added quickly.
"What happened at the museum won't happen again."
"No it won't."
"We're in this together for good or bad, Logan."
"Maybe you should just leave, go back home."
"Go back? What . . .?"
"Go back home. You just don't belong here."
Now it was Ororo's turn to grab him. She held his hands in hers squeezing them
as she spoke.
"I believe home is where the heart is, Logan and my heart my home is wherever
my family and friends are. I thought we had become your family or at least
friends that you could trust. But whether you like it or not we stick together
no matter what. If you need help then I'm here for you."
Logan looked at her for a long moment then shook his head and said, "You're one
hard headed woman."
"Hard headed? I'll give you hard headed!" Ororo looked around saw no one was
watching and doused him with a tiny rain cloud and muttered, "I should fry you
right here in the pool."
"Uh . . . Excuse me," Kurt was holding out the cell phone to her again.
"Oh what is it now?" Ororo yelled at the phone as she wrenched it out of Kurt's
hand.
"Ororo? I'm not interrupting anything am I?" Jean's voice was full of concern. She
went on speaking very quickly, "If I am I'm so sorry but I just got off the
phone with the Professor. We're having a little emergency here. The girls are
back and with the boys here, well I just can't handle them all and you know
Scott he's just not much help so he's offered to go to Japan and take over for
you if you'd be so good to come back and help me. It's just all these hormones
and things and if we can keep the girls under control we should be fine and the
Professor thought it would be a good idea too. I'm so sorry to ruin your
vacation but it's not really a vacation and now the Professor thinks someone's
trying to . . ." and here she paused for a second before going on. "Well, kill
Logan and if that's true he thinks you're somehow in danger as well and we both
think you'd be safer back here than there you know? Okay?"
Logan and Kurt watched Ororo whose expression had gone from annoyed to angry to
complete shock.
"Alright, Jean of course I'll come."
"Oh, Ororo, you are the best! I told Charles you would be happy to help me out
and now you'll be safe and I'll be able to stop worrying about you!"
Ororo ended the call and started to climb out of the pool but Logan grabbed her
foot.
"What?" Logan asked.
She clung to the wall trying to shake him off, in no mood to play anymore.
Realizing he wasn't going to cooperate she swung her other foot out at him but
he easily caught it causing her to sink into the water.
"Um . . . Logan, I do not think that is . . ."
Logan grinned at Kurt who was struggling for words. They both knew she wasn't
in a good mood after hanging up with Jean but Logan waved Kurt away. Kurt saw
no reason to risk Ororo's wrath and hightailed it out of there hoping he
wouldn't have to play messenger again. When Ororo surfaced her face was
unreadable. Logan swam up beside her.
"Everything okay?" He asked.
"You'll be happy. You won't have to worry about me any more. I've been asked to
go back . . . to help with the children."
"You'll be safe there," Logan said calmly.
Ororo looked into his eyes feeling her anger subsiding. She would be safe but
he would be in danger. There was nothing she could do. Jean had won.
This time when she clambered out of the pool Logan let her go. He tried
floating on his back for a moment then decided that wasn't a good idea and sunk
under the water till he was fully submerged. Ororo dried herself off then
wrapped the long towel around her waist. She smiled when she saw Logan was now
watching her. She handed him a towel and he lifted himself out of the water and
took it from her.
"You missed a spot," Ororo said reaching out to show him.
He caught her hand and pulled her to him. She felt a sinking feeling in the pit
of her stomach when his arms went around her. He looked into her eyes and felt
as if he never wanted to look away from them.
"Guess I sounded pretty stupid earlier," he mumbled.
"About leaving?" She smiled at him.
"Not that. About . . . well you know. About asking you to . . ."
She smiled again and leaned up till her lips met his. She felt his arms tighten
around her and she smiled as their kiss lingered. When their lips parted she
looked up at his handsome face curiously.
"Does that mean you'll wait for me then?" He teased.
She laughed, her head falling back in her merriment. "For you? Of course but
you better take care of yourself or I will fry your behind but good mister!"
He pulled her close, her head resting on his chest breathing in the alluring
scent he'd come to love. They stood there in the moonlight etching the feel of
each other in their memories not knowing what was to come.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
German definition:
Ja - Yes
Du spinnst! - You're crazy
Mein Freund - my friend
