Disclaimer: Marvel's, not mine.
Antonia: Not much will happen to Kitty, believe it or not, Essex really only stitched her up, he has no need for her.
Sara: Remy's not a clone. But he is less sure of himself than he will ever admit. Remy is a pretty dark spirit, despite his ability to care and love for Rogue. Essex is a very persuasive and hard to get rid of man.
Aro: Sorry your reviews keep getting cut off. That's no fun. Yeah, I don't' like Vertigo either, that's why I killed her. Glad you liked the chapter. Hopefully you will continue to like the story after this chapter, as my story continues to make less and less sense.
Ishandahalf: I promise you Remy is not a clone. He is our real Remy. But he does have issues, he always has had them. He has to deal with his dark side and good side. It's what makes his character so lovely and complex in the comics. Here's another chapter to add to the dramatic music you called for. I believe the influence of AoA is floating into my story.
TheRealMai: Rogue and Remy did get suckered. But things are about to fall apart a helluva lot more. Glad you're enjoying the story.
CrAzEd ReViEwEr: Yes the things we do for love. Love is the basis behind this story: it's a wonderfully strong thing to work with! Glad you like it so far.
Star-of-Chaos: Angel wasn't completely himself, I'm not sure anyone could do that to their lover whole heartedly or with complete sanity. At least I hope not.
Cheers Darlin: Hopefully this next chapter will get you back on Remy's good side. He's more of himself now.
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Katherine Pryde woke up in her old bed and for one split second she forgot that she had left it, left the X-Men. When her memories caught back up with her she jumped out of bed, her tiny hands daintily fingering the stitches on her neck as she rushed out of her room and down the hall.
She banged on closed doors as she ran, peeping her head in through the open ones, but no one responded to her pounding, nor her feeble yelling. She felt drained from the drugs Sinister had given her, and her body collapsed as she reached the stairs and clung to the banister.
When she had gathered enough strength to walk, she headed downstairs, phasing through walls as she had energy. But no one was around. Anxiety was creeping through her nerves as she punched the elevator button rapidly with one finger.
Upon reaching the sub basement, she checked the med bay, danger room and jet hanger. But no one was training. No one was sick. The jet was gone. She dragged her weak muscles down the hall towards her last hope: the war room.
Empty chairs greeted her, all encircling one large oval table. Briefing papers were scattered near the head of the table. Kitty slumped into a chair, her hands cradling a remote that lay with the files. As she began to read them, she flipped the TV screen on.
Her eyes were glued to the papers in front of her until a reporter on the screen in front of her mentioned a team of superheroes. Kitty raised her head slowly to the twitching screen, taking in the reporter's words with disbelief. Her mouth became dry as she stared numbly at the TV projecting the same scene over and over again.
Kitty had left the mansion because it hurt too much to see those she cared for suffer. But now, according to the news, her friends and family were dead. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Rogue awoke with a fuzzy feeling in her brain. She slid up from the concrete she lay on, her hand rubbing her forehead. Suddenly, an arm whizzed by her chest, one hand resting on the table beside her leg. A pair of frightened red on black eyes met her own.
"Why de hell did ya agree ta dat monster chere!?"
Rogue's breath caught in her throat at the forceful anger of the man in front of her. The Remy she had known for the last several weeks would never of yelled at her like that. She felt her lips twist into a smile.
"Dis ain't funny Rogue. We have ta get y'out o'here now!"
Rogue covered Remy's hand with her own. "Ah don't remember y'all disagreeing this much when Ah agreed to Essex's trade in the first place sugah." Her tone was light, hopeful.
Remy's hand moved up to her cheek, as he fingered her soft skin with the tips of his fingers. "My memories are back now chere. De man y'spent de last few weeks with was me chere. But it was de cold hearted, selfish me. De one dat had no real idea o'what you and I shared or what ya mean t'me."
Rogue scooted forward on the slab, letting her legs dangle off the edge. She pulled Remy between them, embracing him in a tight hug. "Ah hate ta tell ya this Remy. But Ah ain't leavin' your side. Ya died on meh once. Ah ain't losing ya again."
"And dat's exactly what Essex was counting on chere." Remy whispered dejectedly into Rogue's shoulder.
"Remy, the X-Men are dead. There ain't much left."
"Do y'really believe dat chere?" Remy asked as one hand curled through Rogue's hair.
Rogue did not answer back. She was afraid of her answer, because if they were alive, they would find out that she betrayed the team and it's values for love. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Wolverine pulled himself up from the rubble, his healing factor ridding his body of aches and broken bones. He took in a deep fearful breath and looked around. Logan had made it to the edge of the temples opening, but not a single X-Men, to his knowledge, had made it inside.
"Logan!"
He heard her call and spinning around on his heels, he jogged to her position hurriedly.
Jean Grey looked mentally exhausted, but aside from a few scraps, her body was unharmed. Several others lay by her side.
"I had time to set up a telekinetic bubble before the explosion hit," she explained. "These guys were already down, but I managed to protect them." One arm spread out over the injured bodies. Logan counted Lance, Tabitha, Bobby and Jubilee among those she had rescued.
A light breeze blowing in their way caused the two conscious X-Men to turn. They caught sight Angel landing forty feet away, wings flapping as much as metal could, seemingly unaware of their presence. As his feet touched the ground he crouched down next to a body.
Logan was already running towards Angel's position, Jean right behind him. Logan stopped several feet away as he watched Warren pick up the limp form of Psylocke. He held her in his arms and faced the two X-Men, but spoke no words.
"Why did you do it Warren?" Jean pleaded, breaking the awkward silence.
"My power defined my life Jean, when I lost it, I lost all reason to live." Warren looked down to the woman in his arms, while Jean restrained Logan from attacking before he was finished. "When Apocalypse offered me another chance I took it without a second thought. The memories of my past life seem to be slipping away each day." Warren looked up, his eyes scouring the land around him, taking in every fallen comrade.
"And what are ya planning on doing with Betsy?" Logan spit, pointing one extended claw in Warren's direction.
Warren met Jean's eyes. "If it helps Jean, I was wrong. I missed all of Betsy's signs. Perhaps this mess could have been avoided, but she will not die now." With that, he rose into the air, while Logan pounced up after him.
"Ya don't deserve her coward! She belongs with the X-Men!" Wolverine's words and actions were in vain, as Warren's form retreated into the air. In rage, Logan growled in Jean's direction.
"Why didn't ya grab him telekinetically Jean?!"
"He loves her Logan. I just thought love could help bring his humanity back." Jean looked timidly to the ground, her own heart sweltering to search for her own love.
"Well now Psylocke ain't got a chance o'living Jean! Not in that monster's arms!"
Jean's chest swelled up as she met Logan's eyes with tears wetting her eyelids.
"She was already dead Logan. I probed her mind, and found nothing. Her heart had stopped. I only hope it awakens Warren's heart where Betsy's died."
Logan slammed his fist into the sand, panting heavily in anger.
"Fine Jean. Let's make sure we didn't lose anyone else today then."
Sand blew in their face as they walked along in silence. Chunks of rock littered the otherwise barren land, blown to smaller pieces by the explosion. Logan picked up a familiar scent as they walked between the stacks of boulders.
He stopped in front of a few and began digging.
"Help me Jean, Ro's under here!"
Jean used her telekinesis to remove rocks while searching for Storm's life signals.
When one slim hand appeared, Jean assured Logan she was still alive, but barely. He worked harder then, shoveling the rocks in quick succession. Jean continued to help, her spirits raising slightly at Logan's perseverance. She knew Logan cared for Storm, but was too bull headed to admit it. As sweat covered his brow and he concentrated on every last rock, Storm's broken body began to appear.
"Jean, there's another person under here with Ro', how come ya didn't pick them up to?"
Logan stopped for a brief second, picking up the scent, or rather the stench of the body near Storm. He watched Jean cover her mouth, as more tears spilled down. Logan continued with his rock removing, until Storm was accessible to him. Jean swallowed, wiping her tears away. She was afraid to peer into the black crevice. She was afraid she would see Scott.
Logan met Jean's eyes, understanding her selfish fear. "It ain't him Red."
Logan had never called her that before, but too many thoughts were flowing through her mind to think about it. Instead she put a stern face on and joined Logan's side. Ororo had been placed in the sand in order to retrieve the body beneath the rocks.
Jean kept her emotions in check this time as they quietly dug out the metal clad body of Piotr Rasputin. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Essex's base was located in Seattle, as Rogue discovered that evening. She had allowed Remy to drag her out of the base and to an apartment he owned in the city. As of yet, Rogue had not seen Essex since she had awoken. Remy assured her it was normal to go long periods without seeing him. Essex showed his face when he wanted to be seen. He was never sought out.
It was drizzling out as they walked down the sidewalk to Remy's building. Rogue had her arms crossed tightly to her chest, while Remy walked at her side, his hands in his pockets. For the third time in the last year a sense of newness sweltered around the couple.
"How much longer do we got before we reach your place sugah?" Rogue asked in a near whisper, her eyes watching the cracks in the sidewalk.
"Just a couple o'blocks." Remy muttered.
"Why didn't we just use that fancy portal ta take us right to your door?"
Rogue watched his lips shake into a smile. His smile. Charm lit up his face despite his eyes not being directed on her. He pulled one hand out from his pockets and held it out to his side for Rogue to grab.
Rogue untangled her arms and slipped her hand into his, feeling the rough edge of his skin, slightly wet from the rain. But a warmth radiated from his touch, a confidence he had lacked without his memories. Rogue felt tingly all over, and she could not help but watch closely to every one of Remy's movements.
Remy's empathy picked up on her overwhelming feeling of relief. He squeezed her hand in response and said, "See chere, it feels nice walkin' instead o'jumpin' through a portal, non?"
Rogue smiled, just as Remy pulled her into the enclave of a building. "Dis be us cherie," he said, unlocking the front door to the building.
As they headed up the elevator Rogue took in the ornate details carved into the walls. "This place sure is fancy Remy."
"Well, I got good taste," he said so seriously it made Rogue want to laugh. They stepped onto the tenth floor hallway and walked to the end. "I bought dis place before Essex. Before de X-Men even. In my early thieving years I went wild wit my wealth. Bought an apartment in several different cities. Used dem as base points for de different missions I was doing."
Rogue merely listened as they entered his apartment. It was very spacious. Plush furniture filled the living room. A large kitchen lay open to the living room. Tall bay windows lined one wall, and a hallway rested on one side of the living room.
She felt a hand roam up her back, underneath her shirt, on her bare skin. She was pressed into Remy a second later, his face now inches from her nose, his hand still on her back, fingers gliding over her spine. His lips met hers then, softly caressing her tender flesh. She moaned quietly when he pulled away from her.
"Rogue," his finger traced the outline of her face, "dis Cajun missed you."
Rogue's eyes filled with tears, as she suddenly broke down in his arms. He held her fragile figure, carrying her to the couch to sit.
"When the team thought ya were dead, Ah went crazy Remy. Meh mind convinced itself y'all were still alive! Ah just want everything ta go back ta the way it was!"
"Some things did chere." Remy braced her chin up with one finger.
"Like what Remy?"
"Like your eyes Rogue. De are back to dere beautiful, brilliant green." His words were haunting to her ears, but she did not tell him that the Remy in her mind had said the same thing about her eyes. After several moments of silence, Remy stood up from the couch.
He strode languidly to the kitchen, his finger tracing the dust on the counter. He opened the cupboard doors, searching for something before meeting Rogue's gaze again. She stood now, watching him like a scared kitten.
He squinted his eyes and smiled at her expression. "Would y'like t'go out t'dinner chere? I ain't got much here t'eat."
He watched her chest rise up and down slowly, her eyes large, as if frightened.
"Ah can't do this right now Remy."
Remy slipped from behind the counter, a serious look now etched the red glow of his eyes. "What do y'mean chere?"
Rogue glided to the door, her feet not even touching the ground. "Just don't follow meh Remy. Ah need time right now."
Her hand was on the doorknob now, and Remy continued towards her, albeit slowly. "Y'look scared chere."
"Ya said ya were cold hearted without your memories Remy." Rogue cocked her head to the side. "How are y'all different now, after your memories are back?"
A dangerous glint shone in his eyes, his lips pursed shut. "I would never hurt you Rogue."
She nodded slowly, her eyes still indignant, as tears welled in her throat, making it hard to speak. She opened the door a couple of inches.
"Ah'm sorry Remy." Her hand raised in the air. "Just-just not now."
She left then, leaving a very bewildered Remy behind. He rushed to the door, slamming it shut with one fist, splintering the wood.
If only Rogue understood the pain he was in. The X-Men were his family, nearly more so than they were to Rogue. But Rogue, she was his life. The only thing he had left. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Logan sat at the front of the X-Jet, thankful that it still ran, despite it's hard fall into the sand. But perhaps the sand had provided a good cushion. Jean sat to his right, staring blankly at the expanse of the ocean they flew over.
They both realized that this battle had lead them to a new age. The world and their team would be continually threatened by Apocalypse and his thirst for mutant domination. No, it was not just mutant domination, he had stated that plainly in the last seconds before the explosion. He craved power, dictatorship of the entire world.
"Listen, Jean-
"Save it Logan. I don't need to hear it right now. I don't think I can."
Logan closed his mouth, understanding her need to focus on her own grieving thoughts. Neither could muster the reserve to look behind them. They knew Beast, who thankfully remained mostly unharmed, was taking care of those with injuries.
"I better get back there and help Hank again."
"He told ya ta take a break darlin'. We're almost home."
"Our team is dying Logan. I won't just sit here and let that happen, even if I can only provid a sliver of help." Her teeth were clenched as she stood up. Her battered uniform and the dirt smudged on her face could not mask her anger nor her fear.
"I understand Jean." Logan turned his vision back to the front.
Jean hesitated before heading back, one hand resting on her seat.
'I just can't believe he's gone Logan."
"We saw Apocalypse hit him Jean."
Jean looked to the floor nodding even though Logan's back was to her. When he did not hear her respond, he jerked around. But her figure was already retreating to the back.
Logan gave a long sigh, one hand running through his hair. Apocalypse had claimed three lives, two now covered by a thin white sheet in the back.. Logan had a good feeling that this first battle was only a prelude for what was to come. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
"It surprises me Raven, the many people you will work under." Essex observed, one eyebrow quirked at the deadly shape shifter. "You do not seem the sort of woman who would take orders from anyone."
Mystique's lips played with a smile, quivering slightly, but never raising completely. Her yellow eyes remained calm. "Whatever it takes to get what I want Essex."
"Hmm." Essex gave a quiet chuckle at the woman's brazen attitude. "Do you believe Apocalypse will succeed in his plans?"
Mystique crossed one leg over the other. "I do know that this world is about to change very drastically. Only the strong will survive." Mystique paused, her nail tapping on the table's surface. "Apocalypse could use a scientist like you Essex."
The cold, red depths of Essex's eyes gave enough answer to Mystique's assumption. "Gambit and Rogue are now on my team. The X-Men overlooked the strength those two possess. I will not sacrifice them to Apocaplyse's plans. They are mine."
"You would not have to. I am merely suggesting an inside position Essex. The safest and most accessible spot would be at his side."
Essex stood then, his long cape billowing behind him. "I will consider your words Mystique. Let us see just how far Apocalypse can get first."
"He took down the X-Men." Mystique spat, a biting tone hung from her lips.
"You were the one who caused the explosion Mystique. And they did not all die, did they?"
Mystique licked the top row of her straight teeth, rehashing the events. "No. But their leader, the most important key to Apocalypse;s failure was killed."
"Charles Xavier is dead?" Essex asked, shock trying hard not to show itself.
Mystique gave a cruel smile.
"Yes. The X-Men are nothing without him." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Rogue realized she was being a bit ridiculous, leaving Remy like that. But too many thoughts were roaming through her brain, and her heart ached for the fallen X-Men.
The rain was now pouring down as she walked the streets, her small figure huddled tightly to itself, arms wrapped around her torso, head lowered to avoid the sharp rain.
When the first bomb hit the city, her mistake to leave became apparent. Her body was instinctively ready to dive for cover at the explosive sound. But the arms behind her made the motions for her, trapping her to the wet concrete.
The scent of cigarette smoke and his cologne gave him away. Remy's body was pressed hard to her back, as he huddled protectively over her, crouched on his knees. She remained on her knees as well, her hands braced on the sidewalk. Remy's arm was nestled to her stomach.
After the impact of the first missile had ended, Remy scooped Rogue up. Wet bangs clung to his face, his red orbs the only distinct feature in the dark night. Bright lights would occasionally light up the sky as Remy began to run with Rogue in his arms. It lit up his chiseled face, revealing his determination.
He stopped after a few blocks, and setting Rogue down he opened a portal in front of them.
"What the blasted hell is going on Remy?"
"If I were ta guess chere, I'd say Apocalypse has begun his war."
"His war?" Rogue echoed breathlessly.
"Dere be an emergency place Essex has us go. Come on chere, we need t'leave dis city!"
Rogue clasped her hand tightly around Remy's, thankful that he had followed her into the night. As the world around them fell to pieces, Rogue sucked in her breath. Nothing about what was happening felt right. It was as if her and Remy should not be here, as if time were splitting in two different directions and this was no longer their true place. One last explosion rocked the ground, shaking the couple as they escaped into the black pit.
Antonia: Not much will happen to Kitty, believe it or not, Essex really only stitched her up, he has no need for her.
Sara: Remy's not a clone. But he is less sure of himself than he will ever admit. Remy is a pretty dark spirit, despite his ability to care and love for Rogue. Essex is a very persuasive and hard to get rid of man.
Aro: Sorry your reviews keep getting cut off. That's no fun. Yeah, I don't' like Vertigo either, that's why I killed her. Glad you liked the chapter. Hopefully you will continue to like the story after this chapter, as my story continues to make less and less sense.
Ishandahalf: I promise you Remy is not a clone. He is our real Remy. But he does have issues, he always has had them. He has to deal with his dark side and good side. It's what makes his character so lovely and complex in the comics. Here's another chapter to add to the dramatic music you called for. I believe the influence of AoA is floating into my story.
TheRealMai: Rogue and Remy did get suckered. But things are about to fall apart a helluva lot more. Glad you're enjoying the story.
CrAzEd ReViEwEr: Yes the things we do for love. Love is the basis behind this story: it's a wonderfully strong thing to work with! Glad you like it so far.
Star-of-Chaos: Angel wasn't completely himself, I'm not sure anyone could do that to their lover whole heartedly or with complete sanity. At least I hope not.
Cheers Darlin: Hopefully this next chapter will get you back on Remy's good side. He's more of himself now.
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Katherine Pryde woke up in her old bed and for one split second she forgot that she had left it, left the X-Men. When her memories caught back up with her she jumped out of bed, her tiny hands daintily fingering the stitches on her neck as she rushed out of her room and down the hall.
She banged on closed doors as she ran, peeping her head in through the open ones, but no one responded to her pounding, nor her feeble yelling. She felt drained from the drugs Sinister had given her, and her body collapsed as she reached the stairs and clung to the banister.
When she had gathered enough strength to walk, she headed downstairs, phasing through walls as she had energy. But no one was around. Anxiety was creeping through her nerves as she punched the elevator button rapidly with one finger.
Upon reaching the sub basement, she checked the med bay, danger room and jet hanger. But no one was training. No one was sick. The jet was gone. She dragged her weak muscles down the hall towards her last hope: the war room.
Empty chairs greeted her, all encircling one large oval table. Briefing papers were scattered near the head of the table. Kitty slumped into a chair, her hands cradling a remote that lay with the files. As she began to read them, she flipped the TV screen on.
Her eyes were glued to the papers in front of her until a reporter on the screen in front of her mentioned a team of superheroes. Kitty raised her head slowly to the twitching screen, taking in the reporter's words with disbelief. Her mouth became dry as she stared numbly at the TV projecting the same scene over and over again.
Kitty had left the mansion because it hurt too much to see those she cared for suffer. But now, according to the news, her friends and family were dead. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Rogue awoke with a fuzzy feeling in her brain. She slid up from the concrete she lay on, her hand rubbing her forehead. Suddenly, an arm whizzed by her chest, one hand resting on the table beside her leg. A pair of frightened red on black eyes met her own.
"Why de hell did ya agree ta dat monster chere!?"
Rogue's breath caught in her throat at the forceful anger of the man in front of her. The Remy she had known for the last several weeks would never of yelled at her like that. She felt her lips twist into a smile.
"Dis ain't funny Rogue. We have ta get y'out o'here now!"
Rogue covered Remy's hand with her own. "Ah don't remember y'all disagreeing this much when Ah agreed to Essex's trade in the first place sugah." Her tone was light, hopeful.
Remy's hand moved up to her cheek, as he fingered her soft skin with the tips of his fingers. "My memories are back now chere. De man y'spent de last few weeks with was me chere. But it was de cold hearted, selfish me. De one dat had no real idea o'what you and I shared or what ya mean t'me."
Rogue scooted forward on the slab, letting her legs dangle off the edge. She pulled Remy between them, embracing him in a tight hug. "Ah hate ta tell ya this Remy. But Ah ain't leavin' your side. Ya died on meh once. Ah ain't losing ya again."
"And dat's exactly what Essex was counting on chere." Remy whispered dejectedly into Rogue's shoulder.
"Remy, the X-Men are dead. There ain't much left."
"Do y'really believe dat chere?" Remy asked as one hand curled through Rogue's hair.
Rogue did not answer back. She was afraid of her answer, because if they were alive, they would find out that she betrayed the team and it's values for love. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Wolverine pulled himself up from the rubble, his healing factor ridding his body of aches and broken bones. He took in a deep fearful breath and looked around. Logan had made it to the edge of the temples opening, but not a single X-Men, to his knowledge, had made it inside.
"Logan!"
He heard her call and spinning around on his heels, he jogged to her position hurriedly.
Jean Grey looked mentally exhausted, but aside from a few scraps, her body was unharmed. Several others lay by her side.
"I had time to set up a telekinetic bubble before the explosion hit," she explained. "These guys were already down, but I managed to protect them." One arm spread out over the injured bodies. Logan counted Lance, Tabitha, Bobby and Jubilee among those she had rescued.
A light breeze blowing in their way caused the two conscious X-Men to turn. They caught sight Angel landing forty feet away, wings flapping as much as metal could, seemingly unaware of their presence. As his feet touched the ground he crouched down next to a body.
Logan was already running towards Angel's position, Jean right behind him. Logan stopped several feet away as he watched Warren pick up the limp form of Psylocke. He held her in his arms and faced the two X-Men, but spoke no words.
"Why did you do it Warren?" Jean pleaded, breaking the awkward silence.
"My power defined my life Jean, when I lost it, I lost all reason to live." Warren looked down to the woman in his arms, while Jean restrained Logan from attacking before he was finished. "When Apocalypse offered me another chance I took it without a second thought. The memories of my past life seem to be slipping away each day." Warren looked up, his eyes scouring the land around him, taking in every fallen comrade.
"And what are ya planning on doing with Betsy?" Logan spit, pointing one extended claw in Warren's direction.
Warren met Jean's eyes. "If it helps Jean, I was wrong. I missed all of Betsy's signs. Perhaps this mess could have been avoided, but she will not die now." With that, he rose into the air, while Logan pounced up after him.
"Ya don't deserve her coward! She belongs with the X-Men!" Wolverine's words and actions were in vain, as Warren's form retreated into the air. In rage, Logan growled in Jean's direction.
"Why didn't ya grab him telekinetically Jean?!"
"He loves her Logan. I just thought love could help bring his humanity back." Jean looked timidly to the ground, her own heart sweltering to search for her own love.
"Well now Psylocke ain't got a chance o'living Jean! Not in that monster's arms!"
Jean's chest swelled up as she met Logan's eyes with tears wetting her eyelids.
"She was already dead Logan. I probed her mind, and found nothing. Her heart had stopped. I only hope it awakens Warren's heart where Betsy's died."
Logan slammed his fist into the sand, panting heavily in anger.
"Fine Jean. Let's make sure we didn't lose anyone else today then."
Sand blew in their face as they walked along in silence. Chunks of rock littered the otherwise barren land, blown to smaller pieces by the explosion. Logan picked up a familiar scent as they walked between the stacks of boulders.
He stopped in front of a few and began digging.
"Help me Jean, Ro's under here!"
Jean used her telekinesis to remove rocks while searching for Storm's life signals.
When one slim hand appeared, Jean assured Logan she was still alive, but barely. He worked harder then, shoveling the rocks in quick succession. Jean continued to help, her spirits raising slightly at Logan's perseverance. She knew Logan cared for Storm, but was too bull headed to admit it. As sweat covered his brow and he concentrated on every last rock, Storm's broken body began to appear.
"Jean, there's another person under here with Ro', how come ya didn't pick them up to?"
Logan stopped for a brief second, picking up the scent, or rather the stench of the body near Storm. He watched Jean cover her mouth, as more tears spilled down. Logan continued with his rock removing, until Storm was accessible to him. Jean swallowed, wiping her tears away. She was afraid to peer into the black crevice. She was afraid she would see Scott.
Logan met Jean's eyes, understanding her selfish fear. "It ain't him Red."
Logan had never called her that before, but too many thoughts were flowing through her mind to think about it. Instead she put a stern face on and joined Logan's side. Ororo had been placed in the sand in order to retrieve the body beneath the rocks.
Jean kept her emotions in check this time as they quietly dug out the metal clad body of Piotr Rasputin. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Essex's base was located in Seattle, as Rogue discovered that evening. She had allowed Remy to drag her out of the base and to an apartment he owned in the city. As of yet, Rogue had not seen Essex since she had awoken. Remy assured her it was normal to go long periods without seeing him. Essex showed his face when he wanted to be seen. He was never sought out.
It was drizzling out as they walked down the sidewalk to Remy's building. Rogue had her arms crossed tightly to her chest, while Remy walked at her side, his hands in his pockets. For the third time in the last year a sense of newness sweltered around the couple.
"How much longer do we got before we reach your place sugah?" Rogue asked in a near whisper, her eyes watching the cracks in the sidewalk.
"Just a couple o'blocks." Remy muttered.
"Why didn't we just use that fancy portal ta take us right to your door?"
Rogue watched his lips shake into a smile. His smile. Charm lit up his face despite his eyes not being directed on her. He pulled one hand out from his pockets and held it out to his side for Rogue to grab.
Rogue untangled her arms and slipped her hand into his, feeling the rough edge of his skin, slightly wet from the rain. But a warmth radiated from his touch, a confidence he had lacked without his memories. Rogue felt tingly all over, and she could not help but watch closely to every one of Remy's movements.
Remy's empathy picked up on her overwhelming feeling of relief. He squeezed her hand in response and said, "See chere, it feels nice walkin' instead o'jumpin' through a portal, non?"
Rogue smiled, just as Remy pulled her into the enclave of a building. "Dis be us cherie," he said, unlocking the front door to the building.
As they headed up the elevator Rogue took in the ornate details carved into the walls. "This place sure is fancy Remy."
"Well, I got good taste," he said so seriously it made Rogue want to laugh. They stepped onto the tenth floor hallway and walked to the end. "I bought dis place before Essex. Before de X-Men even. In my early thieving years I went wild wit my wealth. Bought an apartment in several different cities. Used dem as base points for de different missions I was doing."
Rogue merely listened as they entered his apartment. It was very spacious. Plush furniture filled the living room. A large kitchen lay open to the living room. Tall bay windows lined one wall, and a hallway rested on one side of the living room.
She felt a hand roam up her back, underneath her shirt, on her bare skin. She was pressed into Remy a second later, his face now inches from her nose, his hand still on her back, fingers gliding over her spine. His lips met hers then, softly caressing her tender flesh. She moaned quietly when he pulled away from her.
"Rogue," his finger traced the outline of her face, "dis Cajun missed you."
Rogue's eyes filled with tears, as she suddenly broke down in his arms. He held her fragile figure, carrying her to the couch to sit.
"When the team thought ya were dead, Ah went crazy Remy. Meh mind convinced itself y'all were still alive! Ah just want everything ta go back ta the way it was!"
"Some things did chere." Remy braced her chin up with one finger.
"Like what Remy?"
"Like your eyes Rogue. De are back to dere beautiful, brilliant green." His words were haunting to her ears, but she did not tell him that the Remy in her mind had said the same thing about her eyes. After several moments of silence, Remy stood up from the couch.
He strode languidly to the kitchen, his finger tracing the dust on the counter. He opened the cupboard doors, searching for something before meeting Rogue's gaze again. She stood now, watching him like a scared kitten.
He squinted his eyes and smiled at her expression. "Would y'like t'go out t'dinner chere? I ain't got much here t'eat."
He watched her chest rise up and down slowly, her eyes large, as if frightened.
"Ah can't do this right now Remy."
Remy slipped from behind the counter, a serious look now etched the red glow of his eyes. "What do y'mean chere?"
Rogue glided to the door, her feet not even touching the ground. "Just don't follow meh Remy. Ah need time right now."
Her hand was on the doorknob now, and Remy continued towards her, albeit slowly. "Y'look scared chere."
"Ya said ya were cold hearted without your memories Remy." Rogue cocked her head to the side. "How are y'all different now, after your memories are back?"
A dangerous glint shone in his eyes, his lips pursed shut. "I would never hurt you Rogue."
She nodded slowly, her eyes still indignant, as tears welled in her throat, making it hard to speak. She opened the door a couple of inches.
"Ah'm sorry Remy." Her hand raised in the air. "Just-just not now."
She left then, leaving a very bewildered Remy behind. He rushed to the door, slamming it shut with one fist, splintering the wood.
If only Rogue understood the pain he was in. The X-Men were his family, nearly more so than they were to Rogue. But Rogue, she was his life. The only thing he had left. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Logan sat at the front of the X-Jet, thankful that it still ran, despite it's hard fall into the sand. But perhaps the sand had provided a good cushion. Jean sat to his right, staring blankly at the expanse of the ocean they flew over.
They both realized that this battle had lead them to a new age. The world and their team would be continually threatened by Apocalypse and his thirst for mutant domination. No, it was not just mutant domination, he had stated that plainly in the last seconds before the explosion. He craved power, dictatorship of the entire world.
"Listen, Jean-
"Save it Logan. I don't need to hear it right now. I don't think I can."
Logan closed his mouth, understanding her need to focus on her own grieving thoughts. Neither could muster the reserve to look behind them. They knew Beast, who thankfully remained mostly unharmed, was taking care of those with injuries.
"I better get back there and help Hank again."
"He told ya ta take a break darlin'. We're almost home."
"Our team is dying Logan. I won't just sit here and let that happen, even if I can only provid a sliver of help." Her teeth were clenched as she stood up. Her battered uniform and the dirt smudged on her face could not mask her anger nor her fear.
"I understand Jean." Logan turned his vision back to the front.
Jean hesitated before heading back, one hand resting on her seat.
'I just can't believe he's gone Logan."
"We saw Apocalypse hit him Jean."
Jean looked to the floor nodding even though Logan's back was to her. When he did not hear her respond, he jerked around. But her figure was already retreating to the back.
Logan gave a long sigh, one hand running through his hair. Apocalypse had claimed three lives, two now covered by a thin white sheet in the back.. Logan had a good feeling that this first battle was only a prelude for what was to come. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
"It surprises me Raven, the many people you will work under." Essex observed, one eyebrow quirked at the deadly shape shifter. "You do not seem the sort of woman who would take orders from anyone."
Mystique's lips played with a smile, quivering slightly, but never raising completely. Her yellow eyes remained calm. "Whatever it takes to get what I want Essex."
"Hmm." Essex gave a quiet chuckle at the woman's brazen attitude. "Do you believe Apocalypse will succeed in his plans?"
Mystique crossed one leg over the other. "I do know that this world is about to change very drastically. Only the strong will survive." Mystique paused, her nail tapping on the table's surface. "Apocalypse could use a scientist like you Essex."
The cold, red depths of Essex's eyes gave enough answer to Mystique's assumption. "Gambit and Rogue are now on my team. The X-Men overlooked the strength those two possess. I will not sacrifice them to Apocaplyse's plans. They are mine."
"You would not have to. I am merely suggesting an inside position Essex. The safest and most accessible spot would be at his side."
Essex stood then, his long cape billowing behind him. "I will consider your words Mystique. Let us see just how far Apocalypse can get first."
"He took down the X-Men." Mystique spat, a biting tone hung from her lips.
"You were the one who caused the explosion Mystique. And they did not all die, did they?"
Mystique licked the top row of her straight teeth, rehashing the events. "No. But their leader, the most important key to Apocalypse;s failure was killed."
"Charles Xavier is dead?" Essex asked, shock trying hard not to show itself.
Mystique gave a cruel smile.
"Yes. The X-Men are nothing without him." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Rogue realized she was being a bit ridiculous, leaving Remy like that. But too many thoughts were roaming through her brain, and her heart ached for the fallen X-Men.
The rain was now pouring down as she walked the streets, her small figure huddled tightly to itself, arms wrapped around her torso, head lowered to avoid the sharp rain.
When the first bomb hit the city, her mistake to leave became apparent. Her body was instinctively ready to dive for cover at the explosive sound. But the arms behind her made the motions for her, trapping her to the wet concrete.
The scent of cigarette smoke and his cologne gave him away. Remy's body was pressed hard to her back, as he huddled protectively over her, crouched on his knees. She remained on her knees as well, her hands braced on the sidewalk. Remy's arm was nestled to her stomach.
After the impact of the first missile had ended, Remy scooped Rogue up. Wet bangs clung to his face, his red orbs the only distinct feature in the dark night. Bright lights would occasionally light up the sky as Remy began to run with Rogue in his arms. It lit up his chiseled face, revealing his determination.
He stopped after a few blocks, and setting Rogue down he opened a portal in front of them.
"What the blasted hell is going on Remy?"
"If I were ta guess chere, I'd say Apocalypse has begun his war."
"His war?" Rogue echoed breathlessly.
"Dere be an emergency place Essex has us go. Come on chere, we need t'leave dis city!"
Rogue clasped her hand tightly around Remy's, thankful that he had followed her into the night. As the world around them fell to pieces, Rogue sucked in her breath. Nothing about what was happening felt right. It was as if her and Remy should not be here, as if time were splitting in two different directions and this was no longer their true place. One last explosion rocked the ground, shaking the couple as they escaped into the black pit.