F.Y.I. – There is not EXACT timeline for this chappy. It just kinda exists.
Disclaimer: I own all. I am the ruler of the universe. BOW to ME!
"talking" - 'thinking' - *telepathy* - foreign languages
Mutant Chronicles: The Xavier Institute Diaries
by, Caliente
Astral Plane Interlude
*Ow* was the first thing that came to Psylocke's mind when she felt her conscious resurface. *That hurt like a–*
*Language Ms. Braddock* a calm voice scolded her.
Betsy opened her eyes, more accurately her mind's eye, to find herself in a strange blank space. Tessa and Remy seemed to be regaining their bearings, like she was. And Professor Xavier, the voice who had interrupted her, was standing a few feet away. Something in her mind click. *Uh, Professor… how are you standing?*
The Professor smiled a disarming smile before turning to address all three mutants. *We are on the astral plane. It's the place --*
*-- where the subconscious mind goes when the body is unconscious* Tessa picked up the explanation. *Some telepaths have the power to visit the astral plane, even influence it, though most people are relatively unaware of their time here. Sometimes there are flashes of memories, or dreams as they are commonly called. The–*
*'nuff p'tite* Remy interrupted. *We get it.* He looked around a little before continuing. *So that leaves the question --*
*-- how did we get here?* Betsy supplied. *And why are we conscious of it?*
The three younger mutants looked at Professor Xavier expectantly, but the world's most powerful telepath was at a loss. *I wish I could tell you* he stated slowly. *But, I have no idea either. The last thing I remember is --*
*-- fighting the Dark Phoenix* Tessa and Betsy finished together.
*Is it just me, or is dat really freaky?* Remy commented. *How we can all finish --*
*-- each other's sentences* the Professor said with a half-smile. *By product of the astral plane. We're all sort of mind-linked, for lack of a better term.*
*Okay, makes sense* Psylocke nodded. *But, how did Gambit get here?*
*Good question* Charles conceited. He turned to Remy. *Are you–*
*Non* he answered before the question was finished. *Not a telepat'.*
*Well then how?* Betsy asked.
Tessa seemed to be searching her data banks. *Remy, do you ever feel things? Emotion that's not your own. Or influence what others feel?*
*I remember Rogue mentioning something about being 'charmed' by Remy* Professor X added.
*Empathy?* Tessa suggested.
*Could be* Charles agreed. *Would explain --*
*-- why he's so hard to read* Betsy chimed in.
*Tried have you chere?* Remy asked. *Been poking 'round where you don' belong?*
*Wouldn't dream of it luv* Psylocke defended with a laugh, knowing she was pushing his buttons. She decided to push further. *By the way, who's Bella Donna?*
*Don' go messing 'round in my head* Remy growled, red eyes flashing. *Mean it.*
*Anyway* Charles interrupted, *we need to figure how to get out of here.*
Tessa piped up, *It is unlikely that we can determine a course of action until --*
*-- we figure out how the bloody hell we got in here* Betsy completed with a smirk. *The three of us* she gestured to Tessa, Xavier, and herself, *were battling Phoenix. And she sent out a shockwave --*
*-- that apparently sent us here* Tessa continued. *But wasn't Rogue helping with the White Queen's powers?*
*Yes, she was* the Professor confirmed. *But I believe that when the telepathy began hurting her, Logan's healing factor kicked in, suppressing the psyche. Without telepathy, Rogue was able to escape the plane.*
*Makes sense* Remy nodded, relieved that Rogue was all right. *Still doesn't explain how I ended up here. Last t'ing I remember is Mastermind's illusion fading* He felt a faint blush form on his cheeks as he remembered. *Den some kinda psychic backlash knocking me unconscious. Den I was here.*
*The Phoenix must have --* Betsy started.
*-- sent out some kind of telepathic messaged that --* Tessa continued.
*-- transferred all psionically powered mutants in the area to the astral plane.* Professor X finished. *And that would include --*
*-- me.* Remy sighed. *Wait, wait. Hold de phones. Wasn' Psylocke fighting a spook?*
*White Queen.* Betsy nodded. *Yeah, but Rogue and I knocked her out. Do you think she ended up here?*
*I can't sense her* Professor Xavier commented. *And, since Rogue absorbed the White Queen in her diamond form, where she can't use her telepathy, she probably wasn't affected.*
Tessa looked pensive. *Well if she's here --*
*-- she's not showing her slutty bleach blonde head* Betsy finished, with more than a hint of hatred.
*Gee, do y'feel de love?* Remy remarked dryly. His audience deadpanned and he sighed. *Tough crowd* he muttered.
*Might help if you were actually humorous* Tessa replied in her usual monotone.
This elicited a chuckle from Charles and a snort from Betsy. *I see how it is* Remy grumbled. *De human computer gets de laughs, but de handsome, charming --*
*Egotistical* Betsy added, gloating inwardly at her small victory.
*-- Cajun gets not'ing.* He shook his head, ignoring Betsy's bitchiness for the moment. *Dat's not fair.*
*Life's not fair, deal with it* Betsy snapped, fed up with him ignoring her. *We have more pressing matters to deal with.*
*Brrr. Is it me or did it jus' get colder in here?* Remy's inquired, knowing full well why she was upset.
*It's you* Tessa answered with an eye roll. 'Honestly, he's almost my age and he acts like a grade schooler,' she thought to herself.
Betsy on the other hand, was ready to retaliate. *Look, I think you using me to make that wannabe Southern debutant fall for you gives me the right to be cold!* she yelled at him. 'Serves him right for using me,' she seethed inwardly. 'I'm a fucking supermodel. And he treated me like crap.'
*Right, I forgot. Dis is all my fault.* Remy rolled his eyes, his accent growing stronger with his anger. *Yo' one t'talk.* He laughed. *T'ink I didn' notice yo' t'in' f'r Wings boy? Puh-lease. Y'tried everyt'in' short o' physically t'rownin' yo'self at 'im. So don' even preten' dis was one-sided. Y'used me jus' as much as I used you.* His eyes glowed an angry red as he stared the ninja down.
*Stop this* Xavier ordered. *This is getting us nowhere. Obviously there are some bad feelings* He looked at Psylocke and Gambit, *but we need to put them aside. We need to figure out how to escape the astral plane.*
*Agreed* Tessa agreed blandly.
Finally turning to face the Professor, Remy gave a curt nod. As did Betsy. *Good* the Professor stated, *let's get started.*
.·°¤°·.·°¤°·.·°¤°·.·°¤°·.·°¤°·.
*What I wouldn't give f'r a pack of cards* Remy groaned as he sat, board out of his skull. *Or better yet, t'get out of here.*
*Patience Remy* Professor Xavier instructed. *Just create the cards with your mind. Concentrate.*
*Easier said den done* Gambit muttered as he concentrated all his effort. Since they arrived, each had changed the blank expanse to their own liking. Betsy's area was similar to her bedroom, plush rugs and purple walls. She covered it with British punk rock paraphernalia. And Remy was pretty sure he saw a picture of Angel tucked away. Tessa's area was simple. A bunch of computers were lined up with a chair for her to sit on. The information on the computers was simply a physical manifestation of her vast knowledge, but with the consoles she could organize and sort through her thoughts much easier. Professor Xavier had really outdone himself. He created a library that encompassed all that he knew about telepathy and the astral planes. Much like Tessa, he spent his time rereading his knowledge, trying to discover a way out. But he didn't stop there. Recognizing that the mind needs challenges and relaxation, Charles also created a park and recreation room. Though the entertainment could only be manifested from memory, so the movies and television shows were all repeats. Gambit on the other hand, had been unable to do much of anything. He created a bed and a scarlet background for his area. And a detailed picture of Rogue. But he felt very tired after each minor creation, and given the limits of his empathy, he was much less equipped to handle the mental stress. Sighing, he decided to replay his favorite Baywatch episode on the "television".
*Ugh, do you mind?* Psylocke complained as she looked up from a fashion magazine she was perusing. *Some of us with brain cells don't want to watch that garbage.*
*Den avert yo' eyes* Remy snapped back. *Nobody's forcing you t'watch.*
*Look you bloody wanker–* she started, jumping up angrily.
*Shut it Bets* the normally easy-going Cajun commanded. *Y'been picking fights wit' me ever since we got stuck in dis damn place.* His voice came out in a low, dangerous growl. *Y'used me an' I used you. What's de big deal? Get over it already.*
Betsy rolled her eyes. *I'm over it all right.* She frowned and looked away. *It just hurt, okay?* She fought the tears entering her eyes. *To know that your "boyfriend" is enamored with somebody else. And that same girl also has the attention and affection of the boy that you do like. Oh, and lets not forget your sketchy past. It hurts.* The last sentence came out as a whisper, and the threatening tears began to fall.
Shocked didn't begin to describe how Gambit was feeling. He pulled the Bit into a hug, gently stroking her hair. *Chere* he murmured. *First of all, don't compare yo'self to Rogue. Yo' not de same.* Betsy glared at the Acadian and he quickly realized his error. *I didn' mean it like dat. I jus' meant dat, Rogue was de girl-next-door. Den, one day, she became a total knockout. An' confident an' independent an' sassy an'–*
*Is there a point to this? Or are you just trying to make me feel like crap?* Betsy interrupted, pulling away with a glare.
*Sorry. De point is, suddenly Rogue was a total babe wit' a personality t'boot. You on de ot'er hand, were always gorgeous an' confident an' independent t'start.* Remy rubbed the back of his neck bashfully. *So maybe it's a li'l harder t'see. 'Cause it's not so obvious.*
*Okay* Betsy said in an unconvinced tone.
Remy was struggling to form his thoughts. *What I mean is, Rogue was Angel's ami first. Den she got all beautiful an' stuff, so it's only natural dat his feeling grew.* Betsy nodded, contemplating what he was saying. *So maybe if y'become his friend, den it'll happen f'r you too. Can't get worse, non?*
Psylocke nodded again. *Makes sense Remy. Thanks. But, that doesn't explain your attraction to Rogue.*
*Dat's simple* Remy stated, as if it was as obvious as the nose on his face. *Rogue was de challenge I couldn' win. No matter how much I wanted her, dere was always somet'ing in de way. Unfortunately, she managed to make me actually like her. Maybe more… not sure anymore.*
*A challenge* Betsy repeated, surprised. *She'll kill you if you ever tell her she's a challenge, luv.*
*Don' I know it* Remy agreed with a lopsided grin. *But it's not like she even gives a rat's–*
*Remy, Tessa, Elisabeth* the Professor called suddenly. *Do you feel that? I think Rogue's trying to contact us telepathically.* The three younger mutants concentrated, but they didn't sense anything. Suddenly the Professor sighed and said, *It's gone.*
Betsy's head suddenly shot up, *I feel it. It's like a small poke in the back of my mind.*
*Betsy, project what you're feeling at me* Professor Xavier instructed. *I will try to form a picture on the screen.*
*Why doesn't Rogue just absorb us?* Remy asked as they worked.
*Because we are already weak and comatose. She does not know the ramifications of her powers on somebody who is comatose, but it is likely they would never wake up,* Tessa informed him grimly.
They worked for a few minutes, until Betsy sighed. *I've lost it* she told the other mutants. *Sorry.*
*I think I feel something* Tessa stated after a moment, in her usual calm. *I'll relay what I'm sensing Professor.*
The two telepaths stood very still, and after a few minutes, a picture began to form. It was Tessa in the med lab. *I believe we're looking through Rogue's eyes* Charles informed them. *It appears our bodies are in the Institute's infirmary. They seem to be surviving without our consciousness, for the time being. However, I'm unsure how long that will last.*
Tessa sighed after another few minutes. *Lost it* she said in an almost disappointed tone.
*But now I got it* Remy spoke up for the first time. The four of them looked at the television screen, which now showed Remy's bed. *Mon Dieu* he cried when he spotted himself. *I– my– who shaved my off goatee?* Betsy laughed at the distressed Cajun, while Tessa cocked an eyebrow, and Charles ignored his juvenile behavior. They were all surprised to hear Rogue request to be left alone in the Med Lab. They all watched Bishop and Dr. Reyes leave. Remy's face was in view again until suddenly the world went black. *She closed her eyes* Professor X informed them.
They may not have had a picture, but the sound still worked. "Damnit Remy!" they heard Rogue shout, though it really came out as more of a plea. "Why won't ya wake up?!"
The world returned, but it was blurry. *Is she crying?* Betsy asked in surprise.
*I believe so* Xavier answered calmly.
*'m sorry chere* Remy replied. *Don' know how. Never wished I could more dan I do right now.*
The four psionically powered people heard her sob openly. Weeping for them, and their predicament. When her cries had calmed, they heard her speak once more. "It's all my fault," they could just hear her murmur. "Ah can't control 'em. If only… Ah could… then Ah could help."
*Rogue, you mustn't blame yourself* the Professor assured, knowing his request was falling on deaf ears. *We know you're doing all you can.*
She opened her eyes, and again they were greeted with a blurry world. "An' Scott's gone, so Ah'm 'lone ta lead. Ah'm not ready," she admitted to the comatose mutants. "It's so hard, Ah don't know what ta do."
*Yes you do p'tite* Gambit argued. *De Professor wouldn't have made you team leader ot'erwise.*
Charles smiled at the Cajun's insight. "Ah need help, but Ah don't know who ta ask," she confided. "Logan's… Logan, he can't lead. Storm's still recoverin'. An' the rest… Ah just don't know." She let out a long, pain-filled sigh.
Professor Xavier never wished he could communicate with anybody more than he did at that moment. *You've made amazing progress Rogue* he told her. *And admitting you need help is remarkable. I've never been more proud.*
There was silence for a few minutes, as the screen was filled with a blurry Gambit. "Gawd Remy, why? Why were ya so foolish?" her voice was desperate.
*What? What did I do?* he questioned, surprised at her line of questioning.
The screen became filled with a vision of the floor as he voice dropped to a whisper. "Logan told me. Said ya were hallucinatin' 'bout me."
*Dis is embarrassing* Remy muttered.
The screen became filled with Remy's face. "Don't ya get it? Ah'm always gonna be untouchable," her words were desperate. "An' you…"
*Me what?* he questioned, as the screen turned to look at the opposite wall. *What did I do now?*
"Yer always gonna be a player." Rogue's voice was convincing, but there was a hint of disappointment and sadness in her words. "It would never be enough. Ah would never be enough."
*Non* Remy fought her without her knowledge. *I can change. I wan' t'change. I wan' you. Why can't you see dat? Yo' more den enough.*
She sniffled and the tears cleared up slightly. "Why can't ya understand?" she questioned angrily. "What's love without touch?"
*Don' need touch* Remy tried to assure her. *I could love you if you jus' let me. Why won' y'let me?*
"No," her voice shone with determination. "We could never be nothin'. No matter how much Ah wish…"
Remy sighed. *You don' know how much I wish too chere.* He felt a stinging pain in his heart but he tried to ignore it.
"S'not like it matters anyway," Rogue's voice was bitter, and she let out a sad, pained laugh. "Why can't ya just be happy with ya very own supermodel?"
*At least somebody appreciates me* Betsy quipped with a sarcastic edge.
*Wish she could see how much I care f'r her* Gambit said sadly.
They saw the walls, and figured she must have stood up. That's when they heard her final plea. "Just, come back safely. Please. Ah need ya ta be all right," she admitted. The picture went dark and cleared up a little.
*She finally admits that she might not hate me an' I can' say a t'ing!* Remy yelled in a frustrated tone. *Dat girl has de worst timing.*
*She must have wiped her eyes* Tessa commented, speaking up for the first time in a long time.
The picture paned across each of the patients. "All ya'll," the Southern bell added quietly, as if she might wake them. She exited the med lab and the connection broke.
*ROGUE!* Remy shouted as loud as he could, causing the others to wince. *Don't go chere.* His own plea sounded just as desperate as hers.
*Don't be too sad luv* Betsy tried to cheer Gambit up. *At least she came to visit you. And, now you know she cares.*
*Yeah, she did* he agreed dejectedly. *An' she basically said dat it wouldn't work out.*
Betsy patted Remy on the back. *It'll be all right * she soothed the Cajun. *She's just scared.*
*Mebbe you're right* he conceited. *But it won' make much of a difference if we can't get outta here.*
*I have faith in Rogue* the Professor stated. *She's always come through for the X-Men in the past.*
*I didn' say dat ma p'tite wouldn't come t'rough* Gambit defended. *I have fait' in her too.*
*Nobody said you didn't* Tessa replied in her cool tone. *But is it really wise to give up? To just accept our fate and stay here.*
*Nobody said anything about "accepting our fate" and "giving up" except you luv.* Psylocke put her hands on her hips. *I have no intention of doing either of those things. We just have to --*
*-- keep trying to figure out how to get out of here* the Professor finished. *Wonderful idea Betsy. Remy would you please --*
*Done* the Cajun answered before he finished. The Southerner walked over to one of Tessa's "computers", sat down, and began reading the information.
*Right.* Charles nodded his approval. *Betsy, Tessa, you will --*
*Of course* they said at the same time. *Freaky* the Brit added. Tessa headed to another computer while Betsy picked up one of the Professor's books of knowledge.
*Wonderful* Professor X said to himself as he walked over to his chair, resuming his studies as well.
Author's Note: So, no diary entry. Sorry, but I thought it was better this way. And it says "Interlude". Promise the entries will be back next time. :) Tessa speaks!! Shocking, I know. Hehe. Some relationship development… we see Betsy and Remy's falling out, not that their relationship was really going anywhere. And hey, there's your twist. Rogue was able to project to them, but not connect with them. So Remy knows EVERYTHING. Just wait 'til he wakes up. Hehe. And if you remember the last chappy. Rogue thought she heard Remy call out to her… y'all can decide if you think she really did hear him or not. Do y'all understand why Emma Frost isn't there – she was in diamond form, therefore unable to use her telepathy. Without her psionic powers, she was unaffected. Makes sense, right?? About Rogue absorbing comatose people, I'm pretty sure it's cannon. I seem to remember her absorbing somebody who was comatose and them being stuck like that forever. I could be hallucinating, but it's my story so I can say whatever I want. HA!! *readers roll eyes* Anyway, hope y'all liked it!!
Review Responses: I LOVE YOU ALL!! Thank you so much for your ongoing support. Y'all rock. STADIUM ROCK!! :-D Keep 'em up plz!! - Remy's Ange: Rogue and Remy?? You'll just have to wait 'til chappy 11 or so to find out. *wink wink* Ain't I a stinker. Warren's already getting over Rogue. Duh. Glad you stopped hyperventilating tho. :) No dead reviewers. Paige and Warren, I don't even understand anymore. Probly not bringing Betsy back. We can hope tho. *fingers crossed* One satisfied customer, YAY!! I liked this chappy. Kinda like a "what goes on in the med lab" thingy. As far as the Tessa/Bishop stuff goes – it'll be slow comin'. They're both too… I dunno, but they're gonna drag their feet. I doubt that Warren and Bets will go to any balls, but who knows?? We'll see. I haven't done an "Angel" chappy yet. And YAY!!, I inspired you to read the retro comics. Funfun. Had to stick a NM cameo in… I LOVE Jamie too!! The Scott/Jean thingy will be addressed more in Scott's chappy – chapter 8. Not only did Rogue admit her feelings, but Remy knows what they were. Shocking twist, eh?? So, after he comes out of the coma, (oops, giving stuff away) I wonder what'll happen?? I'm evil, huh?? Aw. I thought the Rogue part was cute, li'l OOC, but she's alone and thought that nobody would know. *author shrugs* I just hope it wasn't TOO tacky. Rogue's powers will be addressed some more in chapters 9 and 10 – growing fun. :P Sorry, only on chappy. That's just how I operate. One at a time. - The Sphinx Minx: Time difference fun. :P Sad?? Sorta… I guess… kinda… yeah, okay. There was more ROMY this chappy!! But still kinda angsty. It'll take a small break for 3 or so chappies, but then it'll be back with a vengeance. I always thought Beast and Cece would be cute… and Trish will be making her own cameo – tho not with Beast. - Katrina5: You made perfect sense. And you're TOO kind!! The pairings are hinted at – but some (like Bishop and Tessa for instance) will be rather slow at admitting any sort of feelings. YAY!! Scott love. His chappy is next… very angsty if I do say so myself. Clone?? Don't think I know what you're talking about. On a completely separate note – maybe a new love interest named Maddie will be showing up in a while. Hehe. Gotta love Sinister. Oops. I've said too much. ROMY will arrive someday… but it'll be on hold for a few chapters. Remy has to regain consciousness first. Thanks for the bit on Tessa. I'll try to incorporate it. Tell me how I did for her personality so far. Thanx!! - Lyranfan: Wow. New reviewer… cool!! :) I like your story "The Long Flight Home"… Scott and Rogue's conversation was UBER sweet. Aw. It was my first action scene, ever… so thanks!! You're too sweet. - RahneMan: Glad you're feeling the romance. *author runs away from sobbing RahneMan* Love the New Mutants, they'll be making another (small) cameo next chappy. Along with Selene and the Hellions. Fun, yes?? About Doug – he might show up on Muir Island… don't wanna give too much away about that. Wait for chapter 10 (Jono, Dr. MacTaggert, Banshee, Siryn, Illyana… cannon characters abound)!! -_- For now, Rahne's only love interest is Roberto (it's in the Evo-verse, think "Retreat") but if I do a New Mutants diary series, Rahne and Roberto's romance would definitely end, leaving room for another to move in. Though I might make Rahne have a crush on Sam, like in the comics. Who knows?? Lockheed won't show up unless the aliens, any aliens, show up. So right now, who knows?? *reader stares at author* Oh, right. I'm supposed to know. *shrugs* Sorry. :P W00T man!! - Lady Sir Morgan Henry: Bishop/Witness thing – Witness raised Bish and his sister (Shard) for a while before his "grandmother" found him. Later, Witness forced Bishop to work for him for a year… in return for some info or something. Bishop is bitter and blames him for the X-Men's death. Last person to see the X-Men alive, hence the name "Witness", so possible the cause of said death. Bishop's return back in time was an accident, but you didn't hear it from me. He just happened to recognize Gambit as Witness (whether or not he actually is the Witness remains to be seen) and so he tried to kill him. There'll be more on this later, promise. *shhhh* Talking to people in comas, trite, but common. Bishop may be attracted to Tessa, but he is rather stoic, and so their relationship will progress VERY slowly. And with a lot of teasing from Remy and Rogue. :) Damn Kurt for eating my brownie. *pouts* Oh well, don't need the calories. - Klinoa: Dude, the chocolate cake was SOSOSO good. Trust. EW, I hate Oreos. It's a cream thing, it freaks me out. On a side note, did you know the Martian Manhunter loves Oreos?? Randomness. Diary and story = fun!! :P Glad you like it!! - Jukebox: Firstly, I loved your fic "The Angel's Gift"… it was UBER sweet!! Thanks for reviewing!! *glows with happiness* Yeah, only took her 6 chappies to admit how she felt, while he was comatose. Trust issues, I guess. :P And now we know what the ragin' Cajun thinks too. ROMYness will prevail!! - Winter Fire: Undercurrent of relationships sounds UBER cool!! I may have to start using it. You're too sweet. I'm glad I'm not going OOC!! YAY!! :) Thanks. - cookies-n-cream08: Thanks!! You're TOO kind. No worries about reviewing – I understand the evils of computers. *pouts because my computer is possessed by the devil* NO, DON'T SHUT DOWN!! I didn't save!! :P - Shockgoddess: Like the twist this chappy?? Remy (and the others) could hear Rogue. Shocking, eh?? She's so close to helping them!! *author sighs* Alas, they will need outside help for them to recover. He did call her name, from the Astral Plane… so your choice to believe whether she was hearing him or not. Aw. Writers block!! Evilness. :( Don't tease back!! Update. - Aro: Dude. You always seem to write numerous reviews for me. You rock!! Before I write more – UPDATE CHANGES NOW!! Okay, got it out of my system. Healing factor fun for the pseudo-father and Rogue. :P Yes. Poor Remy. *author shakes head* Who would do such a cruel thing to him. *reader points at author* Oh. Anyway, YAY!! you got emotional over the ROMY moment. -_- I'm successful. Was it her imagination?? Maybe she really did hear him… you decide. Chalked is a nifty word… *author backs away slowly from reviewer* …but not THAT nifty. Glad you felt comfortable enough to share tho. We have that bond. :-D Scarred for life by the "jiggy" remark. I thought it was sweet. Despite her misgivings about mutants, she manages to fall for the furry blue one (okay, one of the furry blue ones). Tons of people spell Remy's last name wrong, no worries. Nobody notices. I know I don't. No Remy death by Bishop. Promise. He's not THAT cold. I laughed at your joke, you didn't fail. Hehe. You're review got more random from there… I'm excited about X3 also, they keep promising Remy, but who knows?? Guess your dad's like mine… "Fan fiction is a waste of time and talent." Pshaw. Whatever. Thanks for the awesome review, as always. - Ishandahalf: YAY!! I made you happy after studying. *pats self on back – self runs away afraid* Yeah, I purposefully made Cecelia not very likable or sociable because I decided that was who she was. A self-hating mutant, who was bitter at the kids. Luckily, she's starting to get over it. Beast is helping… I think. *wink wink* The New Recruits, always there to offer a bit of comic relief. What can I say, Rogue just exudes power, and her powers make her very formidable. Bishop would be a fool not to be scared. What can I say about Bishops feelings, except that he has some. That won't mean that he'll act on them. He's too "professional" for that… for now. Warren's definitely thinking about Bets – as a friend – maybe more. Hard to say. Rogue under pressure, watch out world. So she admits how she feels to Gambit, but *gasp* he heard it all!! You were right about that, but not in the same way. Wonder what'll happen after he wakes up?? Have to wait until chapter 10 or 11 to find out. Ain't I a stinker?? Angst?? Moi?? NEVER!! You lie!! :P Don't twitch tho… I worry for you. He will be working to sweep her off her feet after he awakens, but he might not tell her he heard. Oops. I've said too much. I'm an obsession. Oh, you meant the fic. Still, COOL BEANS!! Thanks!! *smiles like a loon for a while* You're TOO kind. - SickmindedSucker: Hated my Spanish teacher too, she said I was too "white" to be Hispanic. WTF?? I was INCREDIBLY bitter. Aw. You're too sweet. Unhinged, I mean odd, people are the best!! YAY for us!! :P Sorry there was no journal this time… next up is Scott, then Kurt, then Ororo. Scott's is a personal favorite. Very, VERY angsty. How un-Scott. And Gambit has a nice part too along with a New Mutants cameo. :) Thanks for reviewing!! - Taz9: Not true, as I just proved in this chappy. :P Scotty is devastated, and next chappy is his time to shine. It's all about him and his angst with some of the Institute folk thrown in too. The New Mutants make a small cameo, but really it's Scott-centric. Gee, I hope you still read it now that you know that. Well, Rogue and Gambit have nice parts too, unfortunately not together. Confuzzled – the word I love to confuse with. -_- Woken up… hold out for chapter 10 or 11 then. *author shrugs* Character development takes a while. - Rogue77: Hehe. I LOVE the way you started your review. Finals… painful, yet necessary. *sigh* Okay, glad that's over. ROMY fun, glad you liked it. :) Like the twist this chappy?? Tessa/Bishop will be SLOW going 'cause they're just like that. Betsy/Warren will begin to take form after she wakes up. Like chapter 11 or something. *author shrugs* Haven't gotten there yet. Cecelia and Hank are cute. Cece hates mutants because she was fired from her job at a hospital when she was found out. I don't know if I said what her mutation is, but I will go into it at some point. It allows her to create a force field around herself, protecting her from stuff. Technical, huh?? :P I am kind. This is true. *reader rolls eyes* Modest too. Hehe. Yeah, Jean's all right… but she won't be back for a LONG time. Said too much. Scott's angsty chappy is up next, think you feel bad for him now?? Just wait. TAS RULES!! And, spell checker is overrated. Rambling fun, babe. No worries. I LOVE to read it. You're a good writer… I LOVE "A Depressed Remy"… it's on my favorites list. Feel for you on the Español final. I remember my last one… I had to talk about my favorite TV show. Lucky for me I'm fluent, if it had been writing, I would have been screwed. Talk about bad grammar. Hehe. - Midnight Selene: Well, now you know what Remy thought about Rogue's li'l confession. -_- Don't worry… Scott's mourning of Jean will be the focus of the next chappy. With some of the Institutes occupants making brief appearances (Gambit's is actually the largest) and a New Mutants cameo. I think it's angsty fun!! :P - The Rogue Witch: Thanks!! :) Poor Scott indeed – more on that next chappy, angsty fun for him. Poor guy. Relationships are forming… slowly but surely. Beast is the man!! He makes a cameo next chappy, along with some of the New Mutants. Fuzzy blue fun for all. :P - Nie Starwhistler: Thanks!! Glad you enjoyed it. -_- I was just wondering, does your user id have a meaning? It seems like it might… Just curious. *author shrugs* Thanks again!! - Khay: I'm just an intense person, what can I say?? *reader rolls eyes* But I digress… you're TOO sweet. Yeah, Gumbo'll wake up – in chapter 10 or 11. Sorry, gonna have to wait. Not 'til after the Scott angst and the Kurt chappy. Jamie and the New Mutants were necessary for some comic relief – otherwise this chappy was too intense and emotional. You picked up on that tho. :) Thanks. - peace215: Not signed?!! What a sin!! Hehe. J/K No worries, it's all good. You understand?? Good!! *wipes brow in relief* If you have ANY questions, don't hesitate to ask. I WILL answer. Promise. YAY!! No OOC stuff over here!! :-D Hehe. The South will rise again, eh?? I love Southern accents – my boyfriend has one. I checked out your fic… it was cute. Personally, I'm not a Rogue/Warren fan, even tho my fic might make you think otherwise. :P Thanks for the hat tip and the UBER sweet review. - msqre: What can I say?? Rogue's an intimidating kinda girl. :P He feels guilty, being from the future, he should "foresee" most of the events. But, in this case at least, he didn't until it was too late. Poor guy. Aw, the details make the story. Thanks. :-D New mutant fun, right?? See the twist?? He knows. Wonder what'll happen when he wakes up?? Oops. I've said too much. -_- You're too sweet, thanks!! - Lightspeed Suzuka: Aw, a Kurt plushie just for me?? You shouldn't have!! :) But I'm glad you did. There will be mention of their date next chappy, but it's a small romance. I LOVE SALVADOR!! He's awesome – way better than Igor (current XXM artist). YAY for UXM!! I'll have to start reading it again. :P Thanks for your sweet review!! - Rogue4787: Ah, the confusing time stuff. Glad you got it. :) And ain't insight grand?? I'm hoping Betsy and Warren will be a functional couple, I think Rogue and Remy AND Scott and Jean add enough dysfunction for everybody. :P Tessa and Bishop will be even slower than Rogue and Remy – too stoic and loner-ish to admit their feelings quickly. But you got that. -_- Thanks for the awesome review. You're too sweet!! - Girl Number 1: Computers are the work of the devil. *computer dies* No, I didn't mean it!! I swear!! *computer restarts, with info saved* Phew. Hehe. Cheerleading. I'm a cheerleader. Not a very good one, but hey, the uniform's cute. :P Okay… the Witness – who Bishop believes is Remy but has never been proven – ADOPTED Bishop and his sister Shard as a child. He stayed with the Witness until his BIOLOGICAL grandmother – who knew the X-Men and is believed to be the Generation X mutant "M" but whose actual name was never revealed – came forward and regained custody. Later, while Bishop was working as a cop for X.S.E. – a future mutant police force – he was forced to work for the Witness – who is known for shady dealing – for a year to help his sister. That's when he grew to hate him… and suspect him for the X-Men's deaths. This will be addressed more later. That's all cannon, so it may change slightly in my story. Rogue can't absorb comatose mutants, which was explained above and more in the A/N. You're TOO sweet, thanks!! - GambitsRogue: It is sad. :( But on the up side, it appears they could detect her. YAY!! Unfortunately this won't be resolved until chapter 10 or 11. Teary-eyed ROMY, the way it's meant to be. :P You're too sweet!! - Pookie Sanchez: Hyperactive goodness!! :) You're TOO sweet!! Speaking of sweets, I'm on a complete sugar high, so I feel you on the hyperactive vibe. *author jumps around the room, scaring her dogs* Yep, Rippers = Assassins… it's just what Evo called them. Lame, I know, but it's their "universe" so whatever. Thanks for your compliments. I'm ecstatic that I got a new reviewer. YAY!! - Beaubier: Hiya right back. Uh… if by X-Sprites you mean the X-Babies from the Mojo-verse, then yes. If not… then no. But either way, hehe. Wolvie… being a loner?? Never!! Blasphemy!! I always thought Cecelia and the Beast had a lot of potential to be a couple. So YAY!! that I've found another fan. I do think the camaraderie is missing, especially in Uncanny X-Men. *sighs* You're 616 fics show that well by the way. Warren and Betsy, one of my other favorite couples!! More on them in a few chappies. A budding friendship – maybe more. *wink wink* Thanks for the awesome review