Cipher's Wake
By Cypher
Chapter Two: Living Again
Gambit tried not to stare at the body lying on the medical table. Sure, it had a pulse, and IVs were replacing the fluid and nutrients lost, but was still...unnatural. Even though he had helped bring the body to the base, even though he had washed away the dirt and blood, even though he himself donated some blood, it felt...wrong. This thing before him was Douglas Ramsey, and yet, it wasn't.
Douglas was alive again, after having his mind torn asunder and being crushed by rocks. Their newest Acolyte, Exodus, had volunteered to tell exactly what he had done, and Gambit had shuddered. Exodus knew he was killing the kid, and he hadn't stopped, not for anything. How can Magneto trust him?
Actually, Gambit was pretty sure his boss didn't trust his newest recruit, that he didn't trust anybody. But then why bring him in? Yes, Apocalypse is a threat, but if this guy was sealed away before what guarantee do we have that he won't be sealed away again, and us with him?
"Pathetic. Why we keep that living corpse around, I'll never know."
Gambit glared at Mastermind and kept an eye on the old man. Mastermind still held a grudge from his last meeting with Douglas, and Gambit figured the man wasn't above hurting a helpless teen. He may be the living dead, but that doesn't mean I'm going to let anyone hurt him. Gambit had made it his personal duty to watch out for the blond, with Piotr backing his stance that the teen had been through enough.
But now he's going to go through even more. Gambit tried to shake off the cold shiver in his spine. When Exodus had brought Douglas back to life, the teen's eyes had snapped open, and for an instant Gambit swore he saw the old Douglas, the one who fought against him even when he was in a lessor position, the one who had outwitted Mastermind and gotten free, the one willing to die for his friends.
The eyes haunted him, even if they had opened only as a reflex to the shock of Exodus restarting his body. Currently they were closed, shut off like the rest of his body. Douglas was alive physically, but he was the equivalent of brain dead. And Exodus wants to use him to get at the X-Men? What, is he going to inhabit the body? He winced at that thought. It was entirely possible that was the Acolyte's plan, especially as he was easily recognizable with the red skin he currently had.
"Do not worry. I have no intention of invading an inferior body." Exodus strode in, Magneto right behind him. He glared briefly at Gambit before his eyes rested on the still form on the table. "How is he?"
Mastermind stepped forward. While he couldn't read the mind of this new mutant, he recognized the power he held, and was not going to question it. "His body is completely healed. How you did it, I am unsure-"
"I'm a god. Do you really think resurrecting the dead is beyond my capabilities?"
"You're not a god here, Exodus. Simply a mutant with extraordinary powers."
Exodus glanced back at Magneto, but didn't argue with the master of magnetism. While he had the knowledge from Cipher's mind, he still had to adjust to this century, one where gods didn't exist. "In the past I was, though, and one thing a god can do, is bring the dead back to life."
"Yes, well," Mastermind checked an IV bag. "His body is back to perfect health. Blood pressure's normal, he's no longer dehydrated, and it appears that the nutrients have reinforced his immune system and balanced his electrolytes."
"Excellent." Exodus sensed the large mutant, Colossus, enter the room to stand by Gambit. Those two seemed to have a close connection with the child, and he kept an eye on the both of them, both physically and mentally.
Colossus scratched his head and looked at Exodus. "But he's still brain dead."
"Not for long." Eyes glowing, he raised his palm and accessed Cipher's mind. It was the one part of the body he had been unable to fully heal, but now, strengthened by the absence of the Cyttorak crystals, he could see where he had damaged the delicate tissue, isolate the hemorrhaging. He stimulated myelin growth, forced nerve cells to regenerate, reestablished connections that had been severed.
A moment later, Douglas took a sharp intake of breath and arched his back, his eyes wide. He started hyperventilating, and Gambit stepped forward to try and calm the kid. He didn't get the chance, however, as Douglas let out a yell and started thrashing about, trying to attack Gambit.
He's panicked! He doesn't know where he is or what's going on. Gambit saw Douglas' eyes narrow slightly and heard a growl as the teen nailed him with an uppercut that would've made any video game proud. He fell to the ground holding his jaw, but was relieved to see Piotr step forward and trap Douglas with his arms, careful to not hurt the struggling boy.
Getting up, Gambit noticed blood trailing down Douglas' arms. Must've torn out the IVs.
"Sedate him. His mind is too chaotic to deal with right now."
Gambit turned to see Exodus walk out, followed by Magneto, who seemed merely curious at the antics of the newly alive teenager. Thanks for your help. Getting up, he went over to Piotr and grabbed Douglas' legs, which up until then were kicking against the Russian's legs, one coming dangerously close to hitting a groin. He hasn't armored up because he doesn't want to injure him any further.
One IV line was still in, and Mastermind took the opportunity to inject some sedative into it. It took a few minutes, but the struggling eventually died down, and with one weak glare thrown at Gambit, Douglas fell unconscious. Piotr laid him back down on the bed and walked off, searching for some restraints.
Good thing I put him in those boxers. I should find him some other clothes as well. It's the least I can do. As Piotr returned, Gambit left to dig up some of his old clothes. He hoped Exodus was simply going to coerce the kid into joining their side, but he had a feeling the red-skinned man had something else in mind.
~*()*~
Kurt was having a good day. Well, as good a day as any mutant could, anyway. He had aced his math exam, much to his surprise as he was sure he hadn't done that well. Then, out of the blue, Kitty had invited him to hang out this afternoon while she bought some CDs. Kurt didn't mind, especially as he wanted to buy a few CDs himself. It was also the continuation of a recent trend, one that he had been worried wasn't going to start.
Kitty forgave him for Douglas' death.
It was no big feat. It had taken a month for Kitty to do more than look at him. That was the first time she had spoken to him. Granted, it was because she was venting some anger, but it was good to hear the voice. After that she had slowly begun to warm up to him again, and inch by inch, their relationship returned to where it was before Douglas arrived.
Now the question is, can she move past him and see me? Dating had been a subject of their discussions of late, though not in the past couple of days. Kurt, though he still said a small prayer to Douglas, liked Kitty, and still hoped to get together with her. The problem was, Kitty seemed to be in turmoil about it. Glancing in his bag to make sure he had all the right CDs, he looked over at Kitty, who was actually smiling.
She hadn't smiled for a long time after Douglas passed away, and with the awakening of Apocalypse, it seemed like she was constantly frowning. But today was one of the rare days that she had a good attitude. She had even started a discussion on religion. Granted, it was Douglas', which Kurt had read thoroughly, but it was still the best discussion they had had of late.
Better than the topic they were on now, which was seriously threatening to remove the smile from his friend's face. "All I'm saying is that maybe you should try and go out with someone."
"It's too soon. I can't just, like, go out on a whim."
"It's been months, Kitty. All of us have gotten over it, or at least dealt with it. You're the only one lingering, and it's not healthy."
"And I suppose you want me to go out with you." Creases appeared on Kitty's forehead.
A sure sign she's upset. Even so, Kurt pressed on. "I'd like it, yes. But I'd be happy if you went out with even...even...even Jamie."
"Ewww!"
Kurt sighed. "You know what I mean. Just go out, date again."
"I'm not ready, Kurt."
"You should be. He wouldn't want you to dwell on him forever." The dark look that passed over Kitty's face alerted Kurt that he had definitely said the wrong thing.
"And what the hell would you know, Kurt! You were friends with him, what, one day? You hated him the rest of the time! You have no right to say what he would or wouldn't want!"
Kurt flinched at the tone, as well as the words. I thought she forgave me for how I treated him. Guess we're not as good as I thought we were. "I did live with him, Kitty. I may not have been his friend, but he tried to be mine, and he told a lot. I wish I had paid better attention because I would've known him better, but I did learn a bit of him. He didn't dwell, and he wouldn't want you too, either. He'd want you to move on."
"What if I don't want to? I loved him, Kurt, and I can't just move on as quickly as the rest of you." She turned on her heel and stormed off down the sidewalk.
Kurt sighed and leaned against the wall, knowing Kitty was in no mood to be around him any more. Way to go, Nightcrawler. You just had to push it. He ignored some of the looks he got and started back to the Institute. Kitty would eventually find her way back, and he didn't feel like teleporting. Douglas, I don't know how you still have a hold over her heart, but could you find it in yourself to let go, to let her like me? Running a hand through his hair, he looked to the sky. You're in a better place now, so please help her move on, for both our sakes.
~*()*~
Douglas groaned, panting slightly to get some air. He tried to lift a hand to hold his forehead, but found he couldn't. What the? He opened his eyes, squinting as a dim light assaulted his senses. It took him a few minutes to adjust, but he eventually made out that his hand was strapped to the arm of a chair. Tilting his head slightly, he found his other hand was in the same position. When he tried to kick, he found he couldn't. Must've restrained my ankles, too.
Swallowing, trying to pushing down his nervousness and fear, he struggled to remember what had happened, why he was tied up. I remember...remember... His mind was fuzzy, then a wave of dizziness struck as all his memories, of his time at the Xavier Institute, his relationship with Kitty, his death in the Temple of Exodus, hit him all at once. He groaned again and ducked his head, trying to quell the nausea that had formed from the revelation.
Dead...I was...dead. He remembered now. The darkness, the void, the nothing. I...am I in Hell? Shit...shit! Didn't sacrificing myself mean anything?! Sure, I never believed in you, but my deeds meant nothing?! He tried to get his mouth to work, but it was having a hard time keeping up with his mind, almost as if the connection were damaged and healing. Wait...damaged. He sat up slowly, staring at the pile of crates opposite him. Oh no...
His mind was damaged, it had been damaged by Exodus' probing. The only way he could register that is if he were still alive, and if he was alive in this strange place, it meant someone had gone and dug him out. And if they dug me out...they destroyed the field holding Exodus! He struggled against his bonds, fear growing within him. If Exodus has me--wait, why would he keep me alive? He got everything out of my mind. For that matter, why would he waste the energy to bring me back to life? He knew of a few myths that said Exodus had that power, but Douglas had written those off as exaggerations. So much for that theory.
He finally felt something in his mind click, and the connection between his mouth and his thoughts seemed repaired. "Hello?" Oh please don't let it be the government. Logan had told him a couple horror stories, and he had no desire to experience any of them personally. "I...is someone there?" He waited a few minutes and dropped his head when no response was forthcoming. So...they left me alone. They must figure I'm harmless. Problem is, I am at the moment.
Sitting quietly for a minute, he decided he should do something useful while he was sitting there. Alright, physiology check. Legs, responding. Back, in pain, but working. Arms, hands, fingers, seem normal enough. Neck, okay. Head, hurting like hell, but fine. He glanced down at his body, and was relieved to find he at least had some pants on, though leather pants weren't exactly his style. Wait, I was in my uniform when I went into the temple. Who the hell changed me? Obviously not the X-Men.
He blinked. The X-Men. Kitty...Kurt...crap. They think I'm dead. Dead! I have to contact them. They can get me out of this place, free me, and then- He paused. Then what? It's been...well, I don't know how long it's been, but Kitty's probably moved on, and Kurt, Kurt's probably her boyfriend by now. He felt a surge of jealousy go through him before his shoulders slumped. I was dead. I have no claim to her whatsoever. If she and Kurt aren't serious, I'll try and woo her back, but...I won't interfere if they're going steady.
That assumes, of course, that I ever get a chance to get out of here. He looked around, trying to spot something that might aid in his escape. Whoever had him, however, had left him in a room with no windows, no visible doors, dim lighting, and storage equipment. Maybe this is a survival test? Get out of my bonds and survive on what's in the boxes? He frowned. Idiot. Has being dead made you stupid? Think, Douglas. No one would do that, not even Logan.
Something clanked behind him, but unfortunately he couldn't turn his body enough to see it. "Hello?"
"Good to see you're awake. You had Gambit worried."
Douglas scowled as the Cajun walked into his view and growled softly. "You. What the hell do you want you son of a-"
"Ah ah ah. That's no way to talk to your hosts, non?" Gambit smiled as he ruffled Douglas' hair. "You feeling better?"
"I'd be better if I were free and able to kick your ass back to-"
"What did I say about talking to your hosts like that? You shouldn't." Gambit hopped onto a crate and pulled out his staff, twirling it slightly. "Especially to Gambit. Who do you think cleaned and dressed you?"
Douglas opened his mouth, then shut it as he realized what Gambit meant, and turned red, looking away. He...cleaned me? He must mean the wounds. Wait, what wounds? Have I been unconscious long enough that they've all healed? He made a mental note to find that out later. And dressed me...geeze. Douglas had a shy streak that followed into locker rooms. He never undressed in front of anybody, and took showers alone as much as possible. And he just...just... He sighed. At least he didn't leave me naked. "Fine. Thank you. Now can I go?"
"Afraid not, mon ami." Gambit pointed his weapon over Douglas' shoulder.
Douglas tilted his head and growled again as he spotted Mastermind. "Geezer."
Mastermind growled back and stood before Douglas, his eyes glowing as he tried to enter the blond's mind.
"Hey, leave the kid alone."
"I'm trying to turn him to us."
Douglas snorted.
"Don't try, old one. You'll only damage what I've just repaired."
At that voice, Douglas went stiff as a board, his eyes widening briefly. He only knew two people with a French accent, and one of them was sitting in front of him on a crate. Oh shit oh shit oh shit. Exodus walked into his view, and Douglas tried to clamp down on his terror, giving Exodus what he hopped was a fearless expression. Despite his efforts, though, his pulse was still rushing and adrenaline raced through his system.
"Remember me, child?"
Douglas remained silent. No way was he going to give this monster the satisfaction of hearing him scream, or say anything for that matter. I may be helpless physically, but everyone hates the silent treatment. Exodus just stared at him, before looking over his head.
"How long will this take?"
Douglas blinked. He didn't recognize that voice, but it had German inflections. Wait, Gambit and Mastermind work for Magneto. Magneto's German, right? But...is he working for Exodus, or is it the other way around?
"It may take some time, and we shall have to test him before he can be released. I do believe, however, that one time should be enough."
Exodus smiled down at Douglas, a cold smile that made him shiver. He's going to make me...one of them? Or is he going to...do something to harm the others? The Professor? He bit his lip. That means...no matter what, I can't go back to them. Not if I might end up hurting them. Jesus, why did I have to come back to life? I'd rather have stayed dead than live in the clutches of this...this...insane god.
"Then begin. Gambit, you and Mastermind go find Sabertooth. We will need him later."
Gambit sighed, giving Douglas a sympathetic look, before hopping off the crate and walking behind the chair.
Mastermind didn't even give Douglas a glance, through Douglas was tempted to stick his tongue out at the old mutant. The nightmarish figure before him, however, made him refrain. I have to be defiant, I have to fight him tooth and nail, even if it kills me again.
"If you are thinking your mind will protect you, it won't anymore. I have left a link within it. It will degrade, eventually, but not for a long while." Exodus knelt down and smirked as the boy tried to flinch away. "This will be painful, but I promise you, your death will be swift when you have accomplished our objective."
I won't scream, I won't cry, I won't do anything that he'll like. I'll fight, but I won't- His train of thought was cut off as a psychic force erupted in his mind, causing his body to jerk in his bonds. He felt pain, like the pain he had in the temple. Images, words, so much flowing into his head that it was overwhelming. His mind released one violent cry before he fell unconscious and open to the mental commands of Exodus.
To his credit, he didn't scream once.
~*()*~
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Author's Prattle: Woooooah. Finished this chapter in one day. Yeah, you heard me. I had to look busy in front of my boss, so I started writing at work and low and behold, I finished it! One whole day. I'm gonna try and update them two chapters at a time in conjunction with my 7th Heaven fic (about one of those chapters is equal to two of these). That way I keep all my fans happy. My Stargate fics are on hold, and I've given up on NaNoWriMo. I've written 50,000 words, but not all in the same story.
Things will still come slow, however. The semester is finishing up, and I've got both a psych project and a myths project to complete, along with finals (physics finals...I am in purgatory). So I don't know when the next installment of chapters will come out. I CAN tell you that this fic is shorter than Cipher's Elegy, and won't have as many chapters (unless a certain beta gives me fresh ideas). No idea if I'll make this into a trilogy, but I'll think about it.
Disclaimers. I don't own X-Men Evolution, Cipher, or Exodus. They all belong to Marvel and whoever holds the production rights. Don't sue, I'm a poor college student who doesn't have any money in the bank. I'm just using these characters in a creative exercise.
So, that's it for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed the fic (if you're an artist, give me a holler), and as always, reviews are welcome.