Disclaimer: Marvel's, not mine.
Now, to answer a few questions:
TheRealMai: The group's name will be answered in this chapter!
Star-of-Chaos: I made up the part about Gambit not being affected by Vertigo's powers-I don't think it would REALLY work like that, but oh well.
Aro: Thanks! And yes Antarctica. I sorta just threw that one in there, I'm not sure how completely relevant it will be just yet, but it's fun tying the different X-Men timelines together.
PomegranateQueen: Yeah, I enjoyed that scene to in the comics, and obviously that was what I took my own scene from. And sappy's ok, glad you liked the chapter.
Evosmylife: Yes, he did say he loved her, finally. And you don't need to worry about me, but as far as the ending goes, I can't promise anything, happy or sad, yet.
Scoobyd0530: Your questions about the team will be answered in this chapter, names and all. The team got to Antarctica through the portal, which is one way the bad team, and their master get around (all aspects from the comics) I got some of the information about the team from the website http:www.uncannyxmen.net, if you want to read more about them(after you read this chapter and find out their names of course). Also, Jean should probably have been out of range, but lets just ignore that detail. As far as the team winning the fight, details about all of that may not be revealed until the last chapter, Sorry! Ok-I think I got all of your questions.
Ishandahalf: They did get stabbed, but maybe they will survive this time around-but you have also read my other stories, so you never really know if something else may happen. But who knows, maybe they will get a happy ending this time around.
The song is Paralyzed, by The Cardigans.
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This is where your sanity gives in, And love begins, Never lose your grip, Don't trip, Don't fall, You'll lose it all.
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Rogue woke up in her own bed. Her muscles ached from not being used, but other than that, she felt fine. She glanced down at her stomach, but no wound remained. She smiled. Logan must of lent her his power. Her smile quickly disappeared when she remembered what had happened. She sprang up quickly, throwing the covers off her lap.
Her eyes glanced around the room, feeling the presence of someone else. That was when she noticed Remy sitting in the chair next to her bed, watching her.
"Remy? You're alive? We made it?
Remy gave her a charming grin, standing up off his chair. She noticed a bandage around his waist, but he was still in full uniform.
"Course we are chere. De X-Men always survive.
Rogue released a few breaths, closing her eyes, as tears brimmed to the surface. When she re opened them, Remy was still standing there, smiling.
"I'm gonna let y'rest chere. Y'were asleep for three days. Y'need t'save your energy.
Rogue crumpled her covers underneath her hands. "Do ya have ta leave Remy?
"For now chere. Just for now. I'll be back later." He leaned over then, giving her a slight kiss to the temple.
The door opened seconds before Remy reached it. He stepped out of the way for Jean to walk by, then with a wink exited. Rogue stared out the door, watching his every move, more grateful for his actions than ever before. She supposed the near death experience had opened her eyes.
"Rogue, are you ok?" Jean asked carefully, looking towards the doorway, following Rogue's eyes.
"Yeah. Course Ah am Jean. Ah'm alive aren't Ah?
Jean gave a sad smile. "Yes, you are. And I'm glad to here such positive words coming from you.
Rogue gave a forlorn smile, looking off to the side, out the window. "Yeah. But the whole thing made meh realize how much Ah love Remy.
Jean walked over, placing a hand on Rogue's. "He's a great guy Rogue. But-
Rogue snapped her head towards Jean, interrupting Jean's words. "Why are you here Jean?
"Well, I've been coming up here every day for a week now. You know, to check up on you.
"Ah thought Ah was only asleep for three days?" Rogue questioned, cocking her head to the side in confusion.
"Oh. Well, you were asleep for three days, but you have been swimming in and out of consciousness for the last four days.
"Well, Ah think Ah'm well enough to get up now sugah. To prove her point, Rogue swung her legs over the side of the bed, stepping onto the ground. Her knees wobbled a bit, but she corrected her stance, and walked towards her dresser.
"Now, if y'all will excuse meh Jean, Ah need to prepare to go see Remy.
Jean swallowed. "Of course Rogue. No problem. Glad to see you up and about.
Rogue grinned, the sun shining through the window, brightening her eyes. "Thanks Jean.
Jean gave one last brief smile. "Listen, Rogue, there is another thing Hank and I need to talk about with you.
Rogue turned around, facing Jean. "What's that?
"Well, why don't you come by the med bay after your done visiting Remy.
Rogue raised an eyebrow. "That might not be till two in the morning Jean.
"Oh. Really?" Jean tried to hide her surprise.
Rogue just laughed. "Yeah Jean. Really. How bout Ah drop by before Ah find him?
"Uh, sure, that works Rogue. I'll see you in about fifteen minutes then?
"Sounds good Jean. How long do you think ya and Hank will take though?
Jean shrugged her shoulders. "Oh, well it depends. I'll try to make it quick if you want.
"That would be nice." Rogue turned back to her dresser, rummaging through for an outfit.
Jean rose to leave. As she reached the door, she placed a hand on the edge, turning. "I'll see you later Rogue. Make sure to take everything easy.
Rogue was too engulfed in searching for a good outfit to really hear Jean, and so Jean closed the door quietly, and left.
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Oh, it's a strange desire, You can not lie, That's a needless fight.
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As Rogue reached the infirmary, she heard voices arguing slightly. She tried to ignore them, but when her name was mentioned, her ears perked up.
"I just think we should watch her Professor. I'm worried.
"That may be a good idea Jean, but everyone deals with things differently, she needs time to think on her own.
"She was asleep for a long time, I'm just nervous that-
Hank cleared his voice, and pointed towards the doorway, where Rogue now stood.
The Professor moved his wheelchair to face her. "Why, hello Rogue. Good to see you up and about. You had us all very scared.
Rogue chose to ignore their previous conversation and concentrated on what they were going to tell her instead.
"Thanks Professah. So, what was it y'all had to tell meh?
The three exchanged quick glances before Hank spoke up.
"Well Rogue, we have very good news for you. It may help ease the pain of the last weeks events a bit.
"The past is the past Hank. Ah've fought lots of battles before, Ah can handle em'." Rogue crossed her arms, her eyes stern, confident.
"I see." Hank said a bit hesitantly. "Well, the news we have is that we may have figured out a way to control your powers." Hank put on a broad grin then, while Jean looked a bit nervous.
Rogue's arms dropped to her sides, her eyes wide. "Ya-yah what Hank? Are y'all serious?
The Professor took this moment to intercede. "Rogue, when you fell into your coma, Jean and I had to enter your mind. We were afraid you were not going to wake up, and so we searched your mind for a way to revive you.
"Uh-huh." Rogue replied, shocked.
The Professor continued. "Upon entering, and while we were in your mind, we found the area that contains the control room, so to speak, that houses your powers. The control of your powers centers on this very section.
"So what do Ah have ta do then?
"Well Rogue, you have a switch, essentially, that you can turn off and on to control your powers. You just need to locate that section of your mind, and learn to flip it on and off.
"And y'all are gonna show meh how?
The Professor smiled. "Yes Rogue, we are, if you are ready.
Rogue gave a large smile, throwing her arms in the air. "Ah've been ready for ages Professah! Let's do it now!
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Never lose your grip. Don't trip. Don't fall. You'll lose it all.
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Jean headed down the hallway after the Professor had assured her he didn't need her help with Rogue. Jean sighed, and turned into the rec room, thankful to find Scott lounging on the couch. Bobby and Jubilee were also there, the TV on the comedy channel.
Jean slumped onto the couch, lying down against the length of Scott's leg. He reached over and rubbed a hand through her hair. "What's wrong Jean?
"Rogue woke up. Got out of bed.
Bobby and Jubilee turned their attention to the couple.
"Really?" Bobby asked excited.
"How's she doing?" Jubilee asked, looking concerned despite not knowing Rogue well.
"Well, that's the thing. She's fine. Completely, utterly fine." Jean stared at the carpet, a distracted look on her face.
"Uh, that's a good thing, isn't it?" Bobby asked.
Scott glanced over at Bobby. "What I think Jean means is, it was a long, emotionally draining battle and week for Rogue. She shouldn't just hop out of bed and be fine.
That was the great thing about Scott. He always understood her. Jean squeezed his leg, thanking him with their psychic connection.
"Oh." Was all Bobby could say. Both him and Jubilee returned their attention back to the TV, the room turning silent.
After ten minutes or so, Rogue showed her face in the doorway. "Hey y'all." She startled them. Everyone glanced up at her, taking in her bright grin.
"Uh, glad to see you looking so well." Scott said.
"Thanks Scott. Ah'm even bettah now.
Jubilee's eyes narrowed. "Why's that Rogue?
"Ah learned ta control meh powers! Finally." Rogue oozed, rolling her eyes up, clinching her fists.
"Congratulations Rogue. Glad you took the news so well. About controlling your powers I mean." Scott stuttered.
Rogue gave him a confused look, before resuming her happy grin. "So, have any o'ya seen Remy?
The tension rose high in the room then, as realization sunk in. Bobby turned to Rogue, his eyes wide. "Uh, is that why you are so happy about controlling your powers Rogue? Because of Remy?
"Uh, duh Bobby. Now, do ya know where he is?
Jubilee sucked in her breath. "Try outside Rogue.
"Alright. He's probably out smoking or somethin'.
After Rogue had left, the only sound in the room was the TV, as everyone let their eyes roam the ground.
"Well that was interesting," Jubilee finally said.
"I see what you mean Jean, about her being in such a good mood.
Jean merely nodded. Rogue had projected her feelings and thoughts very loudly, and they echoed through Jean's brain. Without a word, Jean scooted up to Scott, holding him tighter.
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This is where your sanity gives in. And love begins. The sweetest way to die.
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Rogue smiled upon finding Remy on the outside patio, smoking like she had thought he would be. He had finally changed out of his uniform, and now stood in jeans and a tee.
"Ah gotta a surprise for ya swamp rat." Rogue drawled.
Remy smiled, tapping the end of his cigarette to rid the ash. "Rogue, it was surprise enough when y'woke up. What more there be?
Rogue walked to his side, standing uncharacteristically close. She took the cigarette from his fingers, and took a puff herself. She didn't hand it back to him though, instead her eyes wandered, thinking.
"Do ya know why everyone is acting so strange around meh sugah?
Remy looked at her with sorrowful eyes, but made no move to take his cigarette back, nor ask why Rogue was smoking it. "Y'almost died Rogue. We were all scared.
Rogue looked at the banister, inhaling the smoke once more. "Ah thought you were the one close ta death Remy. Ah am invulnerable after all. What happened after we passed out?
Remy clicked his tongue in consideration. "Don't know de details. I was passed out myself after all. But, I know we were taken back to de med bay, were it was discovered dat de harpoon that had inflicted me had missed any major organs or arteries. I was stuck in med bay for a couple days, fore' I snuck out ta see you chere." Remy gave a little grin, slipping his arm around her waist.
"Ah remember hearing we were in Antarctica too." Rogue added.
"Oui. Logan and Ro' are down dere right now, back at de citadel where we fought, looking for clues about de team dat attacked us. Dey should be back any day now.
"Good. Ah'd like ta know just who the hell they were.
"We all would chere." Remy agreed. "Now, about dat surprise.
Rogue just smiled, pulling Remy closer, discarding the cigarette.
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Did you hold it back, It comes to you in slow attacks, It's the meanest fire.
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Betsy wandered into the kitchen, Warren on her heels. The two had assumed some sort of relationship after the battle, both just happy to have a warm body to sleep next to. As Warren poured a glass of wine for each of them, Betsy's attention was attracted out the window that faced the patio.
"What's the matter Bets?" Warren asked, handing her the glass of red wine.
Betsy took it absentmindedly, twirling it between her fingers. "Look." Betsy pointed out the window.
"Oh. Rogue's up I see.
Betsy rolled her eyes. "Yes she is luv. And she's smoking.
Warren took this in with heavy eyes. "That poor girl. Must be a nasty habit picked up from Remy. I'm sure there will be many more to follow.
Betsy slapped his side, smiling. "Watch your mouth Warren.
As Betsy and Warren flirted, Rogue entered through the side door, the Cajun on her arm. Rogue was giggling profusely, and as she sauntered by, Betsy called out to her, amused by her happy state.
"Glad to see you up Rogue.
Rogue turned in Betsy's direction. Warren waved.
"Thanks Betsy." Rogue replied, continuing on her way with Remy.
Just as she reached the exit to the kitchen, Betsy added, "I didn't know you smoked Rogue.
Rogue turned around, releasing Remy's hold on her, as he watched her with worried eyes. "Well, Ah would say Ah didn't know you were so nosy, but that's a pretty common fact around these parts Betsy!" Rogue was in too good of a mood to let Betsy bring her down, and so she turned and quickly exited the area before Betsy could retort.
As her and Remy headed upstairs, Xavier's voice broke through their thoughts.
X-Men, report to the war room immediately.
Rogue gave Remy a longing glance, angry to be distracted. She had finally learned to control her powers, and told Remy about it. She just wanted a chance to be with him, and only him.
"Don't worry chere, we got our whole life ahead to enjoy us." Rogue looked at Remy curiously, then hurt rose into her eyes at the word us.
"Oh meh Gawd Remy. All those things Ah told ya, before the battle! Ah said Ah didn't care about us!
"Ssshh, calm down petit. Everything's fine now. Y'don' need t'apologize.
Rogue looked into his eyes. They held hope, a dreamy sense of impossible, improbable chances and ideas, yet he believed in them whole heartedly. He believed in her.
"Ah love ya Remy.
Remy pulled her in, holding her close.
"Ah love ya too chere.
Their arms encircling each other, they headed downstairs for the war room.
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When your blood runs dry, You're paralyzed. It will eat your mind. Don't trip. Don't fall. You'll lose it all.
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The X-Men were gathered around the meeting table. Remy chose to stand behind Rogue, rather than sit, explaining that it felt better on his wound to stand. Logan and Storm had returned, and apparently had discovered enough information to enlighten the team of at least the names of those that had attacked them. They had found nothing really in Antarctica, and had instead hunted down Sabertooth. Logan seemed to know where to look.
Xavier addressed the team first, a grave look on his features.
"My X-Men, a week ago we fought the most challenging fight of our lives, suffering greatly from the experience. The team that attacked you showed no mercy and fought in un-honorable ways.
Several members looked angry upon the mentioning of the aggressive team. Others looked down at the table, not wishing to rehash the battle. Rogue simply reached for Remy's hand.
"As many of you know, I sent Storm and Logan out to search for information. This team may strike again, and we must be ready for them. We must know their strengths, weaknesses, and their capabilities." Xavier stopped speaking then, motioning Storm and Logan to the front.
Logan clicked a remote, turning the 3-D screen in the middle of the table on. Storm held a file in her hand and flipping it open, she began to speak.
"The team we faced was hard to track down. As of yet we still do not know who they work for. We do know however, that they go by the name The Marauders.
Logan clicked the remote again, causing a familiar face to rotate around the screen. It was the man with dark long hair that had first attacked Cyclops.
"This man goes by the codename Scalphunter, and appears to be the teams leader. He has control over mechanical devices, enabling him to manipulate their function and assembly, turning them into weapons of his choice.
Storm paused, but no one spoke, so she continued, nodding to Logan to flip to the next person. A dark haired girl appeared on the screen then.
"This woman goes by Arclight. She has a power similar to Avalanche of the Brotherhood team, causing seismic waves and tremors. She also has slight superhuman strength, and the ability to recuperate quickly.
Click. Flip. Now it was a large bald guy. Kitty cringed.
"This is Blockbuster. As apparent by his appearance, he also has superhuman strength and durability.
Click. Flip. The blonde woman. Now Remy cringed. Rogue could tell he still felt badly, having danced with her. Storm glanced in Rogue's direction, and then cleared her throat.
"This is Vertigo. Her power works on the psionic level. She causes a loss of equilibrium, so to speak, making one feel dizzy and nauseous.
Logan quickly clicked. Storm flipped the page. The man made of glass now appeared.
"This is Prism. He blinds his opponents with refracted light created by his physical crystal body.
Now it was a man with long purplish hair. "Riptide. He creates powerful winds using his body to charge the velocity. His speed can be compared to that of Quicksilver.
The man with the harpoon. "He calls himself Harpoon, as evident by his weapon of choice. Like Gambit," Storm paused mid sentence. Clearing her throat and refocusing, she continued. "Excuse me. Rather than kinetic energy, Harpoon creates bio-energy, only on solid matter, charging it, exploding it. On contact with a human being, he can paralyze or even kill them.
The team began to mumble among themselves, before Logan interrupted.
"Aside from Sabertooth, who y'all know, there are two more we didn' see that day." Grabbing the folder from Storm's hands he continued.
Click. "This is Scrambler. He has a disruptive energy, mainly effective on machinery, causing it to self destruct. On living people, he can also cause paralysis or death. If ya got a power, he can warp it.
Click. No picture. "This next one ain't got a body. It travels through hosts bringing out the darker side o'a person. The sick part is, if possessed, ya could be fully aware of it's presence and what it makes ya do, but you can' do nothing ta stop it.
"Good thing it wasn't part of the battle," Bobby muttered.
"Where did you guys acquire this information Logan?" Cyclops asked.
"We followed Sabertooth ta some abandoned laboratory. Once he left, we checked the place out, found these files.
"What about the citadel?" Rogue questioned.
Storm spoke then. "It too was abandoned Rogue. We found nothing there. Several areas dampened our powers, which was interesting, but we found no trace of the Marauders.
"Well, we did kill some of the members, Scalphunter, Prism and Harpoon if I'm correct." Cyclops pointed out.
"And Vertigo," Rogue added. Several members gave her strange glances, knowing she had killed Vertigo out of revenge, rather than defense.
Xavier sighed. "I'm afraid that makes no difference Scott.
"What do you mean Professor?" Scott straightened his glasses on the bridge of his nose.
Hank stood up then, reaching for the folder in Logan's hands. "What he means Scott, is there were more to these files than just a list of these people's powers. There was also DNA and various other genetic data.
"Meaning?
"Well, it would mean nothing really, except that nearly every Marauder has a list of how many times they have died, and then been re cloned. It seems that whoever controls this team, has a scientific background. This team, in a sense, is nearly indestructible.
These words haunted the ears of the X-Men, as many considered their odds. Rogue tightened her grip on Remy, fearful of another battle, of nearly losing Remy again.
"So what do you suggest we do Professor?" Cyclops questioned curiously.
Logan unsheathed his claws.
"We find the one controlling them bub.
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