F.Y.I. – The start of the chappy is immediately after the battle (a day before Bishop's entry), and Cecelia's entry is three days later (two days after Bishop's entry). Sorry for any confusion but I didn't want to make it a flashback, it just didn't work as well.
Disclaimer: Sorry… my dog ate it.
"talking" - 'thinking' - foreign languages/written words
Mutant Chronicles: The Xavier Institute Diaries
by, Caliente
"Rogue, I can, like, walk just fine," Kitty complained as Bishop carried her from the Blackbird. "My arms broken, not my legs."
"Shut it Kit," Rogue commanded, completely serious. "Ah don't wanna hear it. Just let it go."
Kitty sulked as Bishop placed her on a med lab bed. Then she looked around. Beast had been there to greet the jet, having been informed by Cecelia that his services were needed. He and Cecelia had immediately run the Professor, Psylocke, Tessa, and Gambit to the infirmary. Bishop and Wolverine had carried the still unconscious Nightcrawler and Colossus, the latter with some difficulty, to beds as well. Rogue helped Storm while Scott carried Warren over his shoulder. Rogue and Bishop returned to gather Kitty and some medical supplies. Kitty woke up from her nap halfway to the med lab and immediately began complaining. Now she sat in silence as she watched the three telepaths and Remy be hooked up to all kinds of machines. She saw Dr. McCoy take Piotr's blood pressure reading and felt her heart ache. 'It's all my fault,' she scolded silently. 'Why did he have to try to protect me?' Kitty's thoughts were interrupted by Rogue yelling at Bishop. She turned her attention to the enraged team leader and the much larger, cowering mutant. "What the hell were ya thinkin' Bish?"
"I assure you I'm fine Rogue," Bishop defended meekly. Well, as meekly for somebody wielding a plasma rifle could appear. "There's nothing wrong with me."
"Sure there ain't sugah," Rogue agreed sweetly. Too sweetly. 'Poor sucker,' Kitty thought, shaking her head slightly. "Ah'm sure ya arm always hangs outta the socket in that way. Looks like ya dislocated ya shoulder." Her expression was a combination of worry and anger. "So Ah repeat, what the hell were ya thinkin'? Carryin' Kurt an' Colossus an' Kitty from the Blackbird. Honestly!"
Bishop hung his head like a young child being scolded, despite the fact that he was Rogue's elder, as she forced him to sit on a lab bed. "Sorry," he muttered.
"Ya better be," she ordered, a faint smile gracing her features. She turned to the blue doctor. "Got another one fo' ya Dr. McCoy. If he ain't behavin', ya come ta me. Ah'm very persuasive."
Bishop gulped as Beast approached him. "She isn't serious… is she?" he asked in a hesitant whisper.
Hank laughed. "If there's one thing I've learned about Miss Rogue, it's to never underestimate her." He glanced at the young Southerner as she talked quietly with Scott and Wolverine. "She's been through a lot, I wouldn't put anything past her."
Bishop nodded, understanding. Kitty turned her attentions to Dr. Reyes as she came over to check out the Valley girl. "Is this going to hurt?" she asked fearfully.
Cecelia smiled, something she wasn't accustomed to around the mansion. "Not at all," she assured the young brunette. "And I'll give you painkillers for the pain that will come." She assessed Kitty. "You're lucky; the bone doesn't need to be set. I'll just wrap a cast on it and give you some painkillers."
"Thanks Dr. Reyes," Kitty smiled brightly. She watched the doctor work diligently until there was a very loud, very undignified yelp from Bishop on the next bed.
"Oh suck it up," Rogue scolded. "Ah thought ya were a big, strong police officer from the future." She shook her head at the bigger man.
"Shut up," Bishop growled. "Just because I don't have a healing factor…"
Rogue smirked. "Whatever ya say sugah. Whatever ya say." She patted him on his good shoulder before turning to Wolverine. Apparently Scott had left the med lab while Kitty had been distracted. "How do ya think he's doin'?"
Wolverine shrugged. "As well as can be expected I guess," he replied. "I mean, he just watched his girlfriend commit suicide darlin'. That's gotta be hard. Especially after he admitted he loved her."
Rogue nodded and turned back to survey the room. The three telepaths and Remy were still out, no change. Kurt and Colossus were also still unconscious, but she knew they would wake up soon. Ororo had been allowed to return to her loft after her ribs were bandaged. Angel's wing had been bandaged, but he had yet to regain consciousness either. Shaking her head, she turned back to Wolverine. "We almost lost," she told him. "An' it's all my fault."
"How do ya figure?" Logan questioned.
"Ah was team leader. Ah was in command. Ah let everybody down." Tears filled Rogue's eyes. "Ah let myself down. Ah shoulda–"
"What?" Wolverine interrupted. "What more could you have done? You gave it your all and we won. It may have been difficult but we did all we could. You did all you could. Nobody was prepared fer how powerful the Phoenix entity really was.
"Yeah, but–" Rogue tried again.
"But nothin'. Ya did great darlin'. Don't you believe otherwise." Wolverine put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Nobody could have done better. Trust me."
Rogue smiled, letting a few tears fall before she reigned in her emotions. "Thanks Logan," she whispered. "Ah needed that."
"Anytime," he replied.
"Aw, Kodak moment!" Kitty cried, unable to contain herself any longer.
Bishop let out a laugh, but was quickly silenced by glares from both Logan and Rogue. Beast chuckled but said nothing. Rogue looked at Wolverine, then Kitty. "Never living this down, are we?" she asked.
"Nope," Kitty replied cheerfully. Cecelia concealed her grin as she gave Bishop a sedative. When he was out, she turned to the four psionically power victims. Kitty hopped off her bed as she let her cast dry and walked over to a chair in between Kurt and Piotr's beds. She plopped down and sighed.
"Don't worry Kit," Rogue said as she walked over to the younger girl. "They'll be up an' about in no time. Promise." She smiled at the Valley girl. "Ah know," she added as she tapped her temples.
As if on cue, Kurt began groaning. Kitty and Rogue turned to the blue elf and smiled. "Hey sugah, how ya feelin'?" Rogue asked the blue elf.
"Ugh. Mein head," he grumbled in response. "Anybody get ze number of zat bus?"
Tears shone in Kitty's eyes as she threw herself at Kurt and wrapped him in a hug. "You stupid blue elf!" she cried. She slugged him in the shoulder. "You should be more careful!"
"Ow," he reacted, rubbing his arm gingerly. "Zat was unnecessary."
"Da. I must agree," a new voice interrupted.
"Piotr!" Kitty shrieked with excitement, rushing to his side. Then she slugged him in the shoulder too. "You're no better. Didn't you, like, realize that I could phase through the attack."
"Oh, right." Piotr blushed. "Sorry?"
Kitty rolled her eyes. "It's fine. I just wish everybody realized I wasn't a total damsel in distress." She gently leaned over and kissed Piotr on the cheek. "But thank you." She turned to Kurt, "You too blue boy."
"Gee zanks," he remarked dryly as he wrapped his tail around Rogue's shoulder. Rogue just laughed at Kitty and Piotr's blush.
"Sorry to interrupt this, ahem, moment, but I need to check Kurt' and Piotr's vital stats," Hank interjected. "Just to be certain everything is all right."
"By all means tovarisch," Colossus agreed with a friendly smile. When Beast was through, he bid the young people a good-night.
Kurt observed the other patients in the room. "So, did ve vin?" he asked with a youthful grin.
Rogue looked into her brother's yellow eyes and smiled faintly. "Yeah Kurt." She nodded to emphasize. "We won. But it cost us."
The three teens sat in silence as Rogue relayed the tale. Silent tears flowed down Kitty's face as she listened. There wasn't a dry eye in the room when Rogue described Scott's final conversation with Jean. Even Cecelia, who barely knew them and liked them even less had to excuse herself. The four teens spent the night exchanging stories and just being together. For support.
November 4th 2003
Med Journal – Cecelia Reyes
The ramifications of the Dark Phoenix's wrath were worse than I expected. Some had minor injuries, some are still comatose, all are affected. It's a hard thing, fighting one of your own. She was a wonderful person, and a great student. Dreamed of being a doctor. There's only so much one can do. Unfortunately, I feel I could have done more. I'm her doctor, and I didn't notice there was anything wrong. And because I refuse to properly train, I could not help on the mission. I waited in the Blackbird for the wounded to come to me. I've never been so ashamed.
There are many wounded, enough that Beast had to come from the Massachusetts Academy. Face to face, I finally met him. I knew he was blue and furry, but I never imagined such a gentle soul could have such a harsh mutation. But something unexpected happened when I met him, I fell even harder. I knew that I had feelings for the man, but I never expected to feel so strongly. I think I might be falling in love with him. So kind and well read, everything I ever dreamed of in a man. I'm practically blushing at my own thoughts. What a couple we'd make, the blue furry mutant and the black girl – the mutant haters would love that. But now onto the important matters.
When we arrived back at the mansion, there were many who were injured. Only Scott, Wolverine, and Rogue escaped relatively unharmed. There were many minor injuries. Kitty had a broken arm, Kurt and Colossus were out due to Rogue borrowing his powers, Ororo had a few cracked ribs and a sprained ankle, Warren sprained a wing, and Bishop had a dislocated shoulder. All of the telepaths have more serious injuries, comatose because of the psychic assault. The same goes for Gambit. I'm worried that their brains have been unresponsive. Beast and I are uncertain what to do. He proposed we have Rogue attempt to contact them, but we're not sure if it's safe. Either way, she's can't do it until she absorbs another telepath. The White Queen's telepathy has left the girl for now. Storm and Wolverine have been encouraging her to dig deep and find the psyches. The poor girl's been trying her best but she's made little progress. Better go make rounds. Cece out.
Cecilia left her computer console to make her rounds. She thought back to the night after the battle, when things were so much worse. Cecelia smiled as she thought of the X-Men's strong camaraderie. Rogue really took care of Kitty and Kurt, while Piotr was there for support. And when Angel and Bishop awoke, they too joined the conversation. The six of them had been allowed to leave the infirmary, so they continued to train with Wolverine and Storm. Nobody knew where Scott went, but he had disappeared from the mansion. Wolverine wanted to chase after him, but Rogue stopped him. Said he needed some time to himself. Told Logan that if he searched for Cyclops, she'd drain him dry. Cecelia laughed when she remembered his angry expression, but he complied with the team leader. Beast returned to the Massachusetts Academy, agreeing to continue researching solutions for the comatose telepaths and Gambit.
Cecelia was ripped from her thoughts when she heard footfalls enter the lab area. She was surprised to see Warren enter the lab when she had just seen him the day before to remove the bandage on his wing. He didn't acknowledge her presence in any way, just headed strait for the back where the telepaths were being kept. She watched him head for Psylocke's bed and sit in a chair beside her. Silently, he took her hand and closed his eyes. Feeling as if she was a voyeur, she made her way into the research lab area.
'Why won't you wake up?' Warren asked silently. 'Who am I going to complain about Hellfire and the hard life of a rich kid with?' Warren let out a small laugh at that thought. 'Don't you know how much we need you?' He shook his head slightly. 'Can't even admit it to myself. How much I need you.' He felt a small smile make it's way onto his face. 'This is pathetic,' he thought with a small eye roll. 'How trite. "Didn't realize how much I enjoyed your company until you were gone." Ha. That's been done before. But Bets,' he brushed a stray hair from her face, 'I do enjoy your company. And your friendship.' "I'm sorry," he whispered, unaware that he had spoken aloud. "I should have been a better friend to you." He looked away from her pale face. "I should have done a lot of things. But Bets," he turned back to her, "if you come back… No. When you come back, I'll make it right. I promise." Warren squeezed her hand gently and sat with her for a while longer, just willing her to return to them. To him.
Cecelia was completely absorbed in her work, not noticing Warren leave. Later, she did hear two distinct voices approaching the lab. Glancing up, she noticed Rogue and Bishop enter the room for their daily visit. They were absorbed in their usual heated but friendly banter as they approached her. Rogue was the first to address the female doctor. "Hey sugah, anythin' new?"
"Unfortunately, no," was Cecelia's tired response.
Rogue nodded and headed to the Professor's bedside. It hurt her to see the younger girl trying so hard to contact somebody who just wasn't there. She watched Rogue rise and move to the next telepath's bed, it was Psylocke. Again Rogue tried to use psychic powers to contact her, but the results were the same. Still, she moved to Tessa's bed and tried again. Cecelia turned to see what her companion was doing, and found him looking at Tessa with an odd expression on his face. 'Strange,' Cecelia thought, 'I wonder what's so interesting about her.' Finally Rogue moved to Remy, she sat by him and attempted to make contact once more. Rogue felt tears prick her eyes as she made no progress. Bishop watched on with a mixed expression of worry and anger.
Rogue turned to the two conscious people in the room and said, "Could Ah please have a little privacy?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but there was a power in her request that made both Cecelia and Bishop comply. 'First time that's happened,' the doctor thought. 'Maybe we're interfering with her attempts.' Bishop cast a glance at her as he left, hoping that she was all right.
She watched them exit the room and turned back to the comatose man beside her. "Damnit Remy!" she yelled at him. "Why won't ya wake up?!" She released the tears she had been holding in for so long, safe with the knowledge that nobody could see her. "It's all my fault," she murmured. "Ah can't control 'em. If only… Ah could… then Ah could help." More tears seemed to come as she continued to pour her soul out to the comatose Cajun. "An' Scott's gone, so Ah'm all 'lone ta lead. Ah'm not ready. It's so hard, an' Ah don't know what ta do." She shook her head, as she gripped his blanket. "Ah need help, but Ah don't know who ta ask. Logan's… Logan. He won't lead. Storm's still recoverin'. An' the rest… Ah just don't know." She sighed in defeat.
Rogue sat silently for a few minutes, tears still flowing, looking at the man called Gambit. "Gawd Remy, why? Why were ya so foolish?" she asked desperately. She looked at the floor, her voice became quieter. "Logan told me. Said ya were hallucinatin' 'bout me." She looked up at his handsome face. "Don't ya get it?" the Southern belle asked, growing more upset. "Ah'm always gonna be untouchable. An' you…" she trailed off, looking away. "Yer always gonna be a player. It would never be enough. Ah would never be enough." Rogue wiped her eyes and sniffled slightly. "Why can't ya understand? What's love without touch? No," her voice grew more determined. "We could never be nothin'. No matter how much Ah wish…" the Goth trailed off again as she felt fresh tears prick her eyes. "S'not like it matters anyway," the Southerner muttered bitterly. She let out a hollow laugh. "Why can't ya just be happy with ya very own supermodel?" She felt more tears falling and stood up to leave. "Just, come back safely. Please. Ah need ya ta be all right." Rogue wiped her eyes and looked at the other patients. "All ya'll." She exited the room, still feeling guilty. For a moment, she almost thought she could hear him call to her, but she chalked it up to her overactive imagination.
Cecelia and, to her surprise, Bishop made their way back into the lab after Rogue thanked them for allowing her to have a little time to herself. She casually observed him walking over to the four beds and inspect the four patients. She didn't want to pry, so she gave him some space by moving into her office. 'Another first,' she thought wryly. 'I wonder what the mutant from the future is looking for.'
Bishop stood stiffly at the foot of the Professor's bed. "I feel I've failed you," he informed the telepath. "I should have done more to protect you. You are, after all, our benefactor and the creator of our team. Without you, we would not exist. At least, not in the same way." He tried to fight the feelings of shame, but he couldn't help it.
Shaking his head, Bishop moved to the next bed. Psylocke. Elisabeth Braddock. Betsy. "I'm sorry," was all he could offer. "I should have protected you as well. But I was unable to help."
Bishop skipped over Tessa, making his way to the mutant known as Gambit. His expression became grimmer, if possible, as he observed the man he believed responsible for the X-Men's deaths. "I– I–" The cop from the future sighed. "I feel torn. On one hand, I believe you to be guilty and dangerous. But on the other hand, I believe you to be the man I once considered a father. What do you want from me? I am only human!" Bishop attempted to reign in his emotions. "It would be so easy, so simple, to kill you now. Nobody would have to know… I could just mess with the machines. Simple technology compared to the future." He looked closely at Remy's face. So similar to the Witness's. "But I won't. I can't. No matter what I believe, I do know that LeBeau is an X-Man. For now."
Shaking his head, Bishop returned to Tessa's bed. He stood watching her, studying her features. Her silky black hair fell in soft curls around her pale skin. Her lips were a beautiful blood red color. Bishop reached up and brushed the hair from her face, seeing the strange tattoos under her eyes. "Who did this to you?" he asked her, knowing she couldn't answer. "It's strange," he confided in the comatose girl, "to see you. One of the few I know nothing about. A true enigma to me." A rare smile graced his lips. "And that's comforting. To have somebody around that I don't know anything about. That I can meet as a peer. It almost makes me feel human again."
He inspected her closely, pretending not to notice how the sheets curved over her rather large br– "Bishop?" a tentative voice called from the doorway.
The large man was jerked from his thoughts and immediately turned to see Kitty standing in the doorway. Trying to concentrate on the Valley girl in front of him, he shot her a slightly confused look. "Can I help you with something?" he inquired politely.
"No," Kitty replied, shaking her head. "I just wanted to remind you that we have a Danger Room session in, like," she glanced at the clock, "ten minutes and you still have to change. You said you would teach me how to fire an automatic weapon, remember? Since my powers are sort of defensive and all…"
"Right," Bishop nodded, standing to exit. He walked towards the exit but paused. Casting a final glance at Tessa, he called out a "Good-bye Dr. Reyes" as an afterthought. Kitty followed him as they made their way towards the elevators that led to the upper levels.
Cecelia was pulled out of her research when she heard Bishop call to her. "Uh-huh," she muttered absentmindedly, completely absorbed in her research. 'I wonder if Dr. McCoy has made any headway,' she pondered. 'Maybe I should give him a call…' Hesitantly, she picked up the phone and dialed the familiar number.
Ring, Ri– "Hello?" a tentative voice answered the phone.
"Jamie you're supposed to say 'Hello, Mass Academy, this is Jamie speaking', not just 'Hello'," a loud voice in the background, that sounded suspiciously like a bossy Bobby, instructed, while another person snapped his or her gum. She suspected it was Jubilee, but had no way to tell since she couldn't see them.
"Right," Jamie agreed. "Hello, Massachusetts Academy. This is Jamie speaking."
"Hello Jamie," Cecelia greeted gently. "This is Dr. Reyes from the Xavier Institute. Is Dr. McCoy available?"
"Hi Miss Cecelia," Jamie stated brightly, all nervousness forgotten. "I'll buzz the lab for you."
"Thank you," she told the youngest New Mutant, a smile making it's way onto her face.
She waited patiently as the call was transferred. "Dr. McCoy," he stated absentmindedly.
"Hello Henry." Just at the mention of his name, Cecelia felt her face warm up slightly.
"Why hello Cecelia," the Beast said jovially. "What a pleasant surprise."
Cecelia felt her blush grow. "I was, uh, just calling to see if you had made any progress in finding a way to help the comatose mutants."
"Unfortunately, no." Hank sighed. "I'm afraid that our best bet is either to have Miss Rogue absorb a telepath that she can use, or bring a telepath into the Institute to help. I can't think of any other options. Unfortunately, even then we don't know how or what it'll take to bring them back. They may not even be reachable."
"I've drawn the same conclusions," Cecelia agreed with a small frown. "Perhaps we could discuss all our findings at length at some point."
"Oh, of – of course," Dr. McCoy stuttered in surprise, wondering if it was an invitation for more than a meeting of colleagues. Only one way to find out. "Maybe over dinner some night when I visit. I'll be by next weekend…"
"That would be lovely," Cecelia said softly. "I'll see you then."
"Wonderful," Hank remarked dreamily. "Good-bye."
"Bye," she responded.
"Aw, that's so sweet," Jubilee commented as she, Bobby, and Jamie eavesdropped. "They're going on a date."
"You know, Jubilation, it's a good idea to be quiet when one is listening on a conversation," the furry blue doctor told the young Asian girl. Jubilee winced at her full name as Bobby laughed at her. "That goes for you to Robert." Now he gulped as Jubilee smirked at him. Jamie just watched with interest. "I may be willing to forget to mention this incident to Magnus, if you would be so kind as to keep it between the four of us."
"Uh, sure thing Mr. McCoy," Bobby assured the instructor.
"Yeah, we'll keep quiet," Jubilee agreed quickly.
"Uhm, guys…" Jamie piped up for the first time. "Does it count if my clones have already told Amara, Dani, and Rahne?"
Bobby and Jubilee groaned and slapped their foreheads, while Beast let out a laugh. Some things never change.
Author's Note: So, now you know. Rogue's feelings are known. Not too shocking, but there will be an interesting twist next chappy. 'Least, I think it's interesting. Really sorry if anybody was confuzzled about anything. I decided to have it be Dr. Cecelia Reyes because almost the whole chappy takes place in the Med Lab, which is Cecelia's domain. Not too much character development for her, but we do see the start of a relationship between her and Beast. Also, some minor Kiotr hinting, some Bishop might possibly like Tessa hinting, and that Warren considers Betsy a friend, at the very least. I tried to keep it semi-cannon 'cause the way that they hooked up in the comics was that they first kissed when realized they had a bunch of stuff in common after a Hellfire party. I altered it, but tried to keep the heart the same. I didn't put the "entry" at the top because then the whole aftermath thingy would have to be a flashback. Since it was a medical log, I thought that it would be written after the injuries had been tended to. Just my humble opinion, and as authoress, I control all!! BWA-HA-HA!! I also threw some of the New Recruits in as a cameo 'cause they're so cute… and great comic relief. Aight, I'm out. Adios.
Review Responses: I'm gonna keep it short since the author's note was kinda long. I love each and every reviewer equally. Thanks for all of your support!! Y'all are too sweet!! :-D - The Sphinx Minx: Wow Erica, you were up late. Well, it's kinda hard to drag out the Phoenix saga when you know almost nothing about it. *author shrugs* It was before my time. I just kinda did my own thing from what I remembered for the cartoon. Yeah, Rogue's the man, er, girl, er, mutant. Thanks for you sweet review!! :) Love your fic too!! - Star-of-Chaos: Thank you for reviewing!! Keeps me sane. -_- Maybe not so sane. But I still love 'em. - Khay: Well, if you're absolutely positive… I'm glad. I'm sorry I almost made you cry, but at least you had something to look forward to after your exam, right?? Good luck with your exam stuff tho. I bet you aced it!! No worries. Addicted… isn't that a Simple Plan song?? Hehe. I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the awesome review. - Shockgoddess: YAY!! You're not on threat of death anymore!! I can't afford to have any of my reviewers murdered. Too messy. :P I'm happy you liked the chappy. I know what you mean about the Rippers thing. I felt kinda dirty, but it is the Evo-verse, what're you gonna do?? So tell me if you thought the ROMY – from Rogue's perspective for a change – was okay. I thought it was sweet. She likes him after all. But I doubt that she'd throw herself at him when he comes out of the coma. Watch out for next chappy, there's an interesting twist. *wink wink* - Katrina5: LMAO – I'll have to start using it. I like it. Nothing wrong with being giggly, I'm just slow with the acronym stuff. Glad you liked the action. *wipes brow in relief* It was hard for me. Never done it before. Tessa will speak next chappy. I promise. She and Rogue won't interact until probably chapter 12 or so, and I'm not 100% sure how their interaction will go. Advice would be appreciated, hint hint. When Gambit wakes up… it'll be interesting. I think he'll remember all, but maybe he'll hide some of it. You'll see what I mean after next chappy. Rogue will probably never realize what Warren thought – I mean thinks – just like Scott never realized that Rogue had a crush on him. Feel free to ask more questions… I love answering 'em. :P - Midnight Selene: I accidentally switched Jubilee and Kitty's names in the author's note. I've fixed it now. Sorry for the confusion. Sorry!! Thanks for letting me know. By the way – you were my 100th reviewer!! YAY!! Thank you!! - GambitsRogue: Action packed… that's how I do it. :) Gambit's there to please, unfortunately he ended up unconscious. There was ROMY in this chappy… and a fun twist next chappy too. :P That'll be it until he comes out of the coma tho. Not too long, promise. Glad you liked the Phoenix saga… some people hate it 'cause it's Jean-centric. *author shrugs* - Rogue77: Great action scene, huh?? *blushes wildly* You're too sweet. And I'm nifty too, awesome blossom. Witness SEEMS like Gambit, but who knows if he really is?? His other alias is LeBeau… but in the 616 universe at least, it seems that he is NOT Gambit. Personally, I haven't decided. No, I don't hate Jean. In fact, I don't know why everybody seems to hate he so much… I mean, I don't love her and she's not my favorite character, but I always thought she was decent. *author shrugs* Whatever floats your boat. Chapter 7 will have Scott reflecting on her; however, she won't return for a while… like 10 chapters or something. Oops… did I say return?? Oh well. Yep, Rogue is powerful baby. But she's struggling to gain control. I'm happy you like Chris, even tho she was kinda a Mary-Sue. Yeah, Paige is aight, I guess. Tessa/Lucas?? Tell me what you think after this chappy. *wink wink* TAS rules!! I'm not into Betsy/Remy, let's just leave it at that. :P Venezuela, baño (bathroom), and leche (milk) – just so you know. It's all good with Spanish. I love your rambling, feel free to do as much as you like!! - Aro: Aw, saving your reviews just for me. I feel loved. Sorry your weekend was depressing, but glad I could brighten your day. *smiles goofily* Is goofily a word?? It is now. Delay for school?? Funfun!! Well, I LOVE the long reviews, so I'm happy school was delayed!! YAY!! I feel spiffy, oh so spiffy. :P I like your happy vocabulary. Bishop isn't going to kill Gambit, I don't think… He just believes that he's the traitor who caused the death of most of the X-Men, and so he thinks that by killing him, he may save the X-Men. But, he's torn because Witness was like a father to him as well. Glad you approve of my first action chappy. *blushes* I'm so proud. *beams like an idiot* After this chappy, I think you might see where Warren's affections are moving. *cough cough* Betsy *cough cough* And there is ROMY next chappy too. Not just in chapter 10 or 11. I told you not to twitch… Ishandahalf said she's starting too. It's contagious!! Sorry 'bout the name thing, but it's just something I do. Pen name and all that. *smiles bashfully* A spin off would be cool, I heard a rumor that one was in development for Cartoon Network. Dinner rules!! Tho I just had lunch… *shrugs* oh well. Sorry about your fire alarm, that's harsh. Mmm… cookies. Burnt ones – very Kitty-esque. Hehe. Couldn't help myself. And I did have a good day, thank you. :) Good moods are contagious too I guess. - Ishandahalf: Wow. That was one LO-OO-OO-OO-NG review. I LOVED IT!! :-D Hooked on it, eh?? Better than your bunny's unhealthy crack addiction. Chocolate banana latte?? Sounds, er, interesting. Whatever, it has chocolate so I'm down. *shudders at readers glare* Bishop tried to shoot Remy, but, come on. Remy dodged, duh. Heightened agility is part of his powers. *author wiggles eyebrows while her dog looks at her with a slightly scared expression* Bishop grew up with the legends of the X-Men, makes sense he would hero-worship them, right?? If Rogue could just control her powers… we'll see some fun evolving in chapter 9, but no control yet. After this chappy, you tell me if you think there will be some Tessa/Bishop – eventually. I think there may be some sexual tension… after she wakes up. YAY!! You liked my action scenes. First time, so I was slightly scared. I'm REALLY happy that you, uh, "reacted" well to my Warren/Remy scene. Remy's illusion was of his deepest desires, while Warren's was of his normal life. Not that he didn't want Rogue, just that Mastermind took what he thinks about most. After all Warren's parents are, ahem, unable to run the company so it falls on him. More on that in Warren's chappy (not for a while). Remy taunting Warren, so out of character. Ha. Yeah, Phoenix will be mentioned a few more times, but probably not returning. Love triangle fun. :P Gold star fun too!! :) And hey, if you're happy, I'm happy. - T.: Somebody who actually cared about the Phoenix. It's a miracle. :P Thanks for that. And just like the comics, Jean will be returning. Oops. Maybe I shouldn't have said that. Oh well. - Winter Fire: Hey, a new reviewer!! YAY!! OMG!! You're too sweet. *blushes* I'm glad I picked up another reader. You're compliments made me feel really good. And hey, you inspired me to write more too. :) I really like your fic too. I'm just a bad reviewer. *hangs head in shame* Thanks again for the amazing review. I was in absolute awe. - Beaurbier: Bishop fun, right?? Hey, I thought controlled Gambit was cute. The way he was fantasizing about Rogue… well, now you know what she thought about that. I'm glad you like Evo Rogue… she does have sass – at least in my story. :) Aw. You liked my action scenes. *blushes* It was my first attempt, so YAY!! No worries, your fluff RULES!! I have yet to write any fluff in this story… it will happen tho. I'm sure. It's only a matter of time. And you like the Journal entry thing more!! YAY!! You semi-inspired me with "Illusion" when you did the dream thingy. It was awesome, and is actually how I was first introduced to Northstar. And because of you, I'm toying with the idea of an Alpha Flight cameo… and Spiderman (tho I actually had that planned already). :P I already have the Avengers cameo done but I have an idea about the others. Okay, I'm sure you could care less. And awesome that I have "form". Whatever that is. Jean, unfortunately for you I guess, will be returning. It had to happen. But not for like 10 chapters or something. And brooding Scott?!! OMG!! You totally read my mind. That's chapter 8. Thanks for the GREAT review, as always. - Avaris: Sorry?? But YAY for a new reviewer. *dances around like a loser for a while* At least you like the story, right?? - SickmindedSucker: Yeah, thank GOD that's over. I graduated in January instead of June. :) Odd people RULE!! Kill all the normies!! Aw. Thanks for the respect. I feel specialer. See, that degree has some real meaning. I think if your Spanish teacher could see you know, he/she would cringe. :P But I love you just the same. - Remy's Ange: Wow. Long review. *sits in shock for a few minutes* You're UBER sweet. I made your day. YAY!! Warren + Paige = EW!! But he just dumped her, so we'll see what happens next. Sorry the action scenes confused you. If you want any sort of explanation… all I can offer is that each part of the action (the battle against the White Queen, Mastermind, and Dark Phoenix) all started at the same time. So, for instance, after Rogue BAMFed in to get the White Queen, she BAMFed over to help Angel. And after Psylocke psi-stabbed Emma, she went to help the other telepaths. Make any more sense?? I hope so. I'm glad you still liked it, even with the confusion. Remy's a man, and men tend to think with their, er, lower brains, know what I mean?? :P Warren would never "settle" for Betsy. In case you couldn't tell by this chappy… he's already become interested in her as a friend at least. Remember in the comics, when they first kissed after the Hellfire party where they realized they had stuff in common?? I semi-reincarnated it here. His feelings for Rogue will wane, especially after she and Remy… never mind. -_- I'm not sure how much Warren's gonna "work" for Betsy, but I'm planning on having her be a li'l more self-actualized. Yeah, sorry 'bout the Writer's block on that story… I can only do so much I guess. *sad smile* Too bad 'cause it was a favorite of mine too. You're too sweet!! I'm glad you like my character development. *blushes madly* You say such nice things. Thank you. - Taz9: Aw, you love it. Thank you. *author's ears turn red* Original and interesting?? I'm two for two. :P You're too sweet. I'm UBER happy that you like the journal format, my biggest fear coming in was that. Thanks again. - msqre: Remy was just so hopeful I guess. Thinking with his, ahem, lower brain – if you get my drift. The thing about attacking Wolvie and Angel, is that Jean and the others attacked the X-Men under Mesmero's control, so why wouldn't Gambit under Masterminds. Similar powers. *author shrugs* Creative license. And YAY!! that you liked my Wolvie/Angel moments. I thought that I'd play off of their less than friendly feelings towards each other in the comics. Angel even left the X-Men 'cause he didn't get along with Logan. Thanks for the sweet review. *blushes* You're too kind. :) - Nie Starwhistler: I think you're a good reviewer. :) Thanks for the constant reassurance. :-D - Girl Number 1: You're too sweet. *blushes* I'm UBER happy that you like it. YAY!! Sorry about your work getting lost. What a bummer. :( I'll totally check out whatever you do. -_- Favorites list fun. Thanks for all your support. - Rogue4787: A new reviewer!! FUN!! Firstly, thank you so much for your sweet words. *blushes bashfully* I'm SOSOSO happy that you liked my action scenes. They were my first. And I'm UBER glad you like the diary thingy 'cause it was something new for me. I was really nervous about it. I love the comic/Evo meld too!! Obviously 'cause I'm writing it. Now I just sound stupid. Simplifying goodness!! I definitely don't have the patience to write about Phoenix for ten chappies. Nobody cares. I don't even care. *reader shoots author a funny look* Okay, I care… just not THAT much. Bishop and betrayal. Funness abound. I'm probly not gonna do Onslaught for a while. A LONG while. 'Cause it's really fun having Bish be suspicious of Gambit. Er, not that he stopped suspecting the ragin' Cajun after Onslaught. Of course Rogue and Remy will end up together. Duh. It says ROMY in the blurb. They're just slow. And Warren's just sprung. But in case you couldn't tell by this chappy, his interests are moving towards a certain Asian telepath. *cough cough* Betsy *cough cough* There's a twist in the ROMY next chappy. I'm not givin' nothing away tho – you'll just have to wait 'til Sunday. Sorry, not Scott, Kurt, or Logan – yet. Bet you weren't expecting Dr. Reyes. Hehe. Actually Scott is chapter 8 and Kurt is chapter 9. So, good guesses. Logan's gonna be a stand along chappy, so I'm not sure when it'll end up in the fic. *author shrugs* My universe, I control all. - Klinoa: Tardiness is fine… I know I'm late for school daily, so who am I to complain?? :P Thanks for the compliments on my writing. *blushes like a lunatic* I'm not putting myself down… it's just – read something by Seven Sunningdale or Aro or katt8… they're like a million times better than me. It's hard when I compare myself to others. *author shrugs* But I do what I can, so thanks. :-D I didn't eat cookies, I had chocolate cake. Still good, right?? Well, I think so. - Lady Sir Henry Morgan: Of course you can be sweet. Sweetness is appreciated. :-D Ask me anything about Bish and I'll do my best to answer. It's my universe after all, I should know everything about it. :) Glad you're "UBER" happy. *grins like a loon* I LOVE the word "uber". It totally rocks. Thanks for your kind words. - Lightspeed Suzuku: Hey, you like Neopets. Nifty. I used to play but I'm too busy now. :( Sorry that you were having computer issues. Sadness. You're too sweet. Update your XME stories!! That's really sad that somebody thought Wisdom was an OC. *cries for sad state of comic fans* Thanks for reviewing!!