Disclaimer: Okay, still don't own X-Men and I'm defiantly not making any money off of this so no one sue. You won't get nothing but a headache. Oh, but I do own Ebony and Angelo and Dr. Townshend from last chapter. Yay me.
Oh, and I also don't own "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby" by Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch on the Oh Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. (That's where I got this song from anyway.)
Authors Note: K, here's chapter two for this week. Let's hope the flow sticks and I can get up another.
'text' internal speech
Wandering Souls
Chapter 18: Explanations
Ororo let out a contented sigh as she looked around the rec room. All of the students of the Institute and instructors as well were gathered watching Star Wars (AN they play this a lot on tv, so it fits.) on the big tv in the rec room. This was how it was supposed to be. She sat curled up on the couch next to Logan, his arm around her shoulders and her head resting on his chest. The Professor sat in his wheelchair next to the couch and Beast sat in the chair next to that, both more engrossed in the books they were reading than in the movie. The students were spread out around the room.
Scott and Jean sat in front of the couch, sharing a bowl of popcorn, blushing a bit every time their fingers touched one another. Wanda lounged comfortably in Evan's lap in a large, overstuffed, armchair. Evan had his arm draped over Wanda's shoulder and their fingers were interlaced as they watched the movie intently. Amara and John were curled up on the floor, leaning against the couch, also watching intently as were Jubilee and Piotr who sat on the nearby settee. Jubilee leaned against Piotr's broad chest and popped her gum absentmindedly. Kitty and Kurt sat next to each other, directly in front of the tv. Ororo had given up telling them it was bad for their eyes over an hour ago. And finally, at the other end of the couch sat Rogue and Remy, both absorbed in the film. Remy had his feet propped up on the coffee table, his arm draped around Rogue who was snuggled closely to him, her legs tucked under her and her head resting on his chest, much to her fathers disapproval.
Logan growled as he noticed Remy's hand drop down lower and wrap around Rogue's waist.
"Logan," Ororo said sternly as she looked up at him. "Let them be."
He grunted as she ran her fingers softly up his chest and over his firm muscles.
"Oh, this is the best part mates," John exclaimed as the battle between Luke and Darth Vader began.
Suddenly the screen went black before a news broadcast came on. "We interrupt this show for a special report," the young Asian reporter began.
"Bloody hell!" John exclaimed.
"Hush sweetie," Amara said firmly. "This could be important."
Charles and Hank put down their books and listened intently.
"Hours ago, an attack was waged from the inside on one of our own government bases in upstate New York. We are unsure as to yet what the cause of the bases destruction was, but it is believed that Mutants were involved," as the reporter spoke, pictures of a burning military base flashed over the screen. "There have been several injuries reported, but there are only two known casualties at this time," the next image to appear was a dark skinned man with wire glasses, a lab coat and a salt and pepper crew cut appeared on the screen as the Reporter continued to speak. "Dr. Nathaniel Q. Townshend, a well known and well respected army geneticists." Another picture flashed up of a beautiful black haired woman with striking emerald eyes. "And Sergeant Meranda Davidson. No other casualties have yet to be reported."
Rogue's heart stopped as Kitty quickly hit the off button on the remote. "Ah just found her," she whispered as Remy wrapped her into a hug.
Logan quickly got up, walking over to Rogue and placing his arms around her. "There, there darlin," he soothed as she let the two men in her life hold her, silent tears falling from her eyes.
The other members of the X-Men watched on in utter silence, hurting for their friend.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Meranda let out a relieved sigh as she pulled the Harley up to the gates of the Xavier Institute. She looked at the high tech security system and gave out a humpf sound as she gripped the bars and teleported herself and the bike to the front door of the institute, clear of all the devices. She pulled off her helmet and smiled, kicking out the stand and rising off the bike. She rested the helmet on the handlebars and fluffed her hair a bit, looking down at her torn and tattered uniform. 'Yeah, great first impression,' she thought as she walked over to the door and poised her hand to knock. Waves of sadness almost overcame her and she knew where they were coming from. "Marie," she whispered before hitting the door forcefully, hearing it creek in protest under her strength. She stopped and waited, hoping someone would hurry to the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ororo heard the knocking and quickly rushed to the door, begging the Goddess for it to be good news. She opened the doors quickly. "Yes?" she asked as the woman looked up into Ororo's blue eyes with emerald green ones. "By the goddess!" Ororo exclaimed taking a step back.
"Yes, she does work mysteriously and for our good," Meranda replied sniffing the air slightly, smelling Logan all over this woman. Jealously flared inside her for a moment, but she quickly fought it down. Now wasn't the time. "I'm here to see my daughter."
Ororo quickly recovered and stepped aside, allowing the woman to enter. "We just saw the news. They said you were dead," she said closing the door behind them.
"Yeah, well, sorry to disappoint," Meranda retorted heading towards the rec room. She entered and stopped in the doorway as she saw all the inhabitants of the school huddled around Logan and the boy from the alley, Rogue wrapped between their arms, sobbing silently. 'Damn that doctor!' she cursed inwardly as she thought back to when Rogue was a little girl. 'What the hell was that damn song?' Suddenly the words came back to her, and Meranda's beautiful silky voice began to sing.
"Go to sleep you little baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
Your mamma's gone away
And your daddy's gonna stay.
Didn't leave nobody but the baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
Everybody's gone
And cotton and the corn
Didn't leave nobody but the baby.
You're a sweet little baby.
You're a sweet little baby.
Honey and the rock and the sugar don't stop
Gonna bring a bottle to the baby
Don't you weep pretty baby.
Don't you weep pretty baby.
She's long gone with her red shoes on
Gonna need another lovin' baby
Go to sleep you little baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
You and me and the devil makes three
Don't need no other lovin' baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
Come lay your bones on the alabaster stones a
And be my ever lovin' baby."
All eyes fell on Meranda as she sang. Slowly, moving with the beat of the song, Meranda made her way across the room to where Rogue sat looking up at her, the tears quickly drying on Rogue's face. When she finished singing, Meranda knelt before the couch and brushed a stray hair from out of Rogue's eyes. Rogue launched herself into Meranda's arms, hugging the older woman tightly. "Don't believe everything you see on tv sugar," Meranda whispered, hugging her back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The X-Men all sat around the war room, staring at the black haired goddess before them. Meranda had cleaned up and been given a clean uniform. She fidget slightly in the tight fitting article. Before looking back at the others, offering them a weak smile letting her eyes settle on Logan, who stood leaning against the wall. An awkward silence had long since settled over the room and everyone was afraid to break it.
Kitty was the first to speak, surprising none of the X-Men. "So Meranda, like, what's your power?"
Meranda let out a small snort and leaned back in her chair. "What isn't?" she breathed as she looked back towards the small girl. "What's your power?"
Kitty looked taken aback, unsure if the woman was making fun of her or serious. "I can, like, walk through walls and stuff," she finally answered, figuring the woman was in fact serious.
"Oh, like this?" Meranda asked as she passed her hand clean through the table.
"What's going on Meranda? Last time I checked, you could just make it dark as hell," Logan growled. This wasn't the same woman he'd fallen in love with. It had all returned to him when Rogue came home and this Meranda wasn't the same as the one he remembered. "Now here you show up out of the blue, talk to Rogue, get her hopes up and then skip out for three weeks and we see that bit on the news and here you are," Logan became so angry, his claws popped out with a loud SNIKT.
"Oh give it a rest already!" Meranda barked back. "I don't wanna hear your shit right now okay. I've had a bad day."
"What happened Meranda?" Xavier asked, trying to bring some peace back to the room.
"It's a long story," Meranda sighed looking around the room at the expectant faces and for once, realizing just how tired she was.
"We've got time mamma," Rogue whispered. She was sitting next to Meranda, with Remy on her other side, squeezing her hand, giving her his support.
"Okay, well I guess I should start from the beginning. I didn't remember anything really. Not till I saw Rogue at the theatre the other night, then after I got back from my mission, I went looking for answers. I wasn't sure who did this to our family," she looked up at Logan and then at Rogue before continuing. "But I had a pretty good idea where to start."
~Flashback~
Meranda lay on the floor. She could hear Marie calling to her but she couldn't move. Everything was just so cold. And it all hurt so much. But she knew she had to get to her daughter. She opened her eyes and watched as everything started to get dimmer and for once, she knew it wasn't her powers. Then she heard the other voice in the room with Marie.
"Don't you remember honey? I'm your mom."
'No!' Meranda screamed internally, trying with everything she had to get to her daughter. She knew that voice and she'd be damned if she'd let that bitch of a shape shifter near her baby girl. "Marie…" she managed to whisper before everything went completely black.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Good work Ms. Darkholm," Dr Townshend said to the red haired, blue skinned woman as she handed the now sleeping child to Irene in the back seat of the limo. He watched as the stretcher moved from the house to the ambulance, Meranda barley alive on it. "You have served your government well."
"My government is not who I serve," Mystique barked turning on him. "You got what you wanted and I got what I wanted. End of discussion. And don't even think of touching her," she added, referring to the small girl. "She's mine!"
Townshend grinned at the woman's ignorance. "Believe me Raven, I have no interest in her. It's the mother that intrigues me."
"Good," Mystique replied climbing into the car.
The good doctor watched the limo drive off.
"Sir, what do you want us to do about the house?" a solider came up and asked after Meranda had been safely loaded onto the stretcher.
"Burn it," Townshend replied as he headed towards the ambulance, boarding and looking down at his prize. This had been Townshend's dream for years. He had been beginning to wonder if he'd ever get the opportunity to test his theory until Meranda and Logan had come into the Gynecologists office four years ago. A blood sample and a phone call led Townshend to a mutant whose DNA could be easily changed and enhanced. It would have been nice to get the child as well, but this was better than nothing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Townshend looked on proudly as he injected the bit of DNA he'd gotten from the SHIELD office. 'How appropriate,' he thought as he injected the material into Meranda's arm. 'The first test and it's with your husbands DNA.' He chuckled slightly as he finished the injection and left the room, going into the control room.
"We're ready when you are doctor," his assistant replied as Townshend settled himself before the controls.
"Good, than let's begin," he said as he fiddled with a few knobs before powering up the highly radioactive laser, sending the beam straight into Meranda's body.
Meranda could feel the burning pain and her eyes shot open, a blood curdling scream filling the air as she begged the Goddess for death.
Townshend stopped the beam and watched with pride as the hole in Meranda's heart healed before his eyes.
~End Flashback~
"Wow, bummer," Evan breathed, breaking the silence after Meranda spoke. Everyone nodded in agreement with Evan as they stared at her.
"So, Mystique sided with this doctor to get Rogue for herself," Jean said, trying to straighten everything out in her mind. "And so the doctor could have you?" Meranda nodded slowly. "But why?"
"Because of my DNA. It may even explain Marie's powers," Meranda replied looking over at her daughter and taking her hand. "My DNA is easily manipulated. It can adapt to new information and encode it as if it were always there. It kind of absorbs it, like Rogue's skin does."
"But why would anyone want to do that?" Scott asked, looking confused.
"He was making the perfect weapon," Logan stated looking over at Meranda. "One no one could stop."
"Seems he succeeded, because not even he could stop me tonight," Meranda whispered as she thought back to the destruction she had caused.
"So you like got everyone's powers than mate?" John spoke up looking at Meranda with new excitement.
"Pretty much," Meranda replied as she looked over towards Rogue who had been very quiet.
"Does that mean you can touch Rogue too? Like Logan can?" Wanda asked.
"Yes. Rogue has a combination of mine and Logan's DNA. Which means that her genetic material is a part of both of ours. Somehow, the mixing and splicing has given us both an immunity to her powers. That's why we can touch her."
Rogue glanced over at Remy who sat there, squeezing her hand. She offered him a small smile as he brought her gloved hand to his lips and kissed the knuckles.
"How can ya teach meh to control mah powers?" Rogue finally asked, glancing nervously at her mother. "Ya said ya could in the parkin' lot."
"I can sugar," Meranda responded smiling at her daughter. "I've learned how to control all of these, and I assume you've learned to control the powers you absorb. Together we'll find the answer," she gave her daughter an encouraging pat on the shoulder, flashing her a smile.
"Well, it seems we've all had a long night," the Professor said as he looked around the group. "Perhaps it would be best if we all got some sleep and discussed this farther in the morning. Logan, why don't you show Meranda to the spare room in the teachers wing?"
"Sure thing Chuck," Logan growled as he pushed off of the wall. Everyone else rose as well.
"Ah'm glad yer home mamma," Rogue said wrapping her arms around Meranda.
"Me too sugar," Meranda hugged her back and kissed Rogue's forehead. "Now go to bed. It's late."
The kids left the room, heading upstairs, leaving the adults.
"I appreciate you giving me a home here Professor Xavier," Meranda said turning to him. "I don't think I could be away from my family any more."
"It's quite alright. We're happy to have you," Charles replied smiling warmly before heading for his own room. "Sleep well Meranda."
"As Shakespeare says, parting is such sweet sorrow," Hank said smiling at Meranda as he followed the Professor out the door leaving only Ororo, Logan and Meranda.
"I'll be waiting out in the hallway," Meranda said heading towards the door.
"Why?" Logan asked looking over at her, unsure of all the conflicting feelings in his heart.
"Look, I'm trying to make this as easy as possible alright," Meranda said, whirling around to face the other two. "I'm not blind and I'm not naïve. And," to emphasize her point, she tapped her nose. "I can smell her all over you." With that she spun around and headed out into the hallway, leaving Logan and Ororo alone in the briefing room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ro…" Logan began, but was quickly cut off by Ororo's hand, resting on his lips.
"I understand Logan," Ororo sighed and looked into his brown eyes with her deep blue ones. "You have been through a lot lately and I know that you are confused. Just take your time and know that I am here for you. The fates will spin this as it needs to be," she leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his lips before walking out the door into the hallway.
Meranda looked up and her and Ororo's eyes met for a moment before Meranda spoke. "Y'know, I loved him with all my heart from the moment we met," she looked down at her hands for a moment before returning her gaze to Ororo's. "I still love him. But I'm glad you've been the one taking care of him these past few years."
"Thank you," Ororo said, unsure what to do at this point. A part of her wanted to fight for Logan, while another part knew that wasn't the diplomatic thing to do. "Good night and sleep well."
"Night," Meranda replied as she watched the woman head for the elevator. "Oh and Ororo!"
"Yes?" Ororo stopped and turned to face the woman.
"Blessed be."
"Blessed be."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So here's your room," Logan said as he opened the door to the spare room, allowing Meranda to enter first.
"Not bad," she said looking around, taking everything in. "It'll be even better once I get some stuff to put up, but not all together bad." She flopped down on the bed, bouncing slightly to get a feel for the mattress.
"So, I'll let you get some sleep," Logan began, turning to leave before Meranda's voice stopped him.
"Miss me any?" her voice was hardly above a whisper and if his senses weren't what they were, he probably wouldn't have heard it.
Logan stopped and turned to face her. "I searched the house up and down for you and all I found was the smell of your blood. It hurt so much thinking you and Stripes were dead I had to block it. I missed you to the point I couldn't function, so I just forgot everything. And now here you are and I love you, but."
"You love Ororo too," Meranda finished for him, rising and walking over to him, standing in front of the man that she'd loved all those years ago. "I get that," she brushed a hair from his eyes. "And I might one day be able to accept that. But right now, I just don't want to," she reached her head up and kissed him tenderly. "See ya in the morning," she said, pushing him out of the room before she did anything stupid, and shutting the door behind him.
Logan shook his head slowly before heading up to bed himself.
Authors Note: And hopefully questions had now been answered. I'm too tired right now to figure out what the next chapters going to be about so I'll just wait and let inspiration hit. I have a question you guys. I have another story that is more based off of the x-men movies staring Meranda and Logan and of course our favorite Southern couple. If I were to put it up would any of you guys want to read it? Well, I'll let you all go for now since it's shout out time. Take care all and thanks again for reviewing.
Invader ZaiFae ~ I know, I love her too. She's so great. Damn homework and even worse writers block. It's such a bitch. I think after this chapter it will be easier to tell what kinda person Meranda is. So by all means, wait to vote. I'm still unsure of who Logan will end up with. Once again thanks for the review of Cajun Spice. I'm less in the dark now and it's great.
Ishandahalf ~ Naked Remy was fun wasn't he? Especially for me to write so you can count that Rogue will accidentally on purpose" walk in on him. Hehehe . I like your reason for voting the way you did. I agree, you can.
Rogue77 ~ I check your story everyday to see if it's been updated. I thought I'd put up a review for your last two chapters but apparently not so I'll have to go back and do that. I'll try to squeeze in some more Toad action for ya. And thanks for voting. I still don't know what I'll do yet, but the majority seems to be telling me to put Logan back with Meranda. I guess only time will tell.
Mercury Dream ~ I will take your vote into consideration but I can't make any promises right now cause I'm not sure what I'm gonna do yet and I'd hate to say something and then go back on it. I'll keep your vote in mind though and no matter what, Meranda will be playing a part in Rogue's life. Logan's though…that's another story.
Denial ~ Naked Remy is always, and I mean ALWAYS, a way to have good dreams. Well, Meranda's powers are complicated non? Hehehe. Yeah, she's all powerful pretty much, like a certain X-Men we all know and love. (Remy especially loves her.)
Weeble Wobble Chic ~ Wow, more love. And here, another cookie. And a brownie too if you review.
VIcKy101 ~ Don't worry, everything will be revealed and..oh wait most of it just was! Sorry, long day at work and sarcasm reigns supreme. Hope you liked this chapt and it answered most of your questions, and even more I hope it caused a few new ones to come up. That's what makes stories interesting.
Dark Dragon Fire Demon ~ Me too. I like feeling special. That's okay, you're not the only one who missed it which tells me I didn't do a very good job explaining it and okay now I sound like some of my old high school teachers but anyway. Hopefully this chapter cleared it up even more. And it's a deal. You review and I give you something to review. Sounds like a fair trade. So now I have done my part so…your turn!
Anee ~ Arain better not insult Remy in my presence either or else I'll have to get out my baseball bat. I think this chapter answered about all of your questions. But I'm sure there are more. And it's okay. Rogue and Remy are pretty damn stubborn too sometimes. Especially Remy, I keep telling him it's okay for him to walk around the entire story butt naked, but he just won't do it.
Starfire ~ Wow again. That was so sweet of you! I've never been told I was an asset before. No need for puppy eyes. The writing will continue. It's one of the only things that keeps me sane. Thanks for the review.
HPFANATIC-21 ~ Well now I know I should have taken your word on it. Remind me of this if I ever doubt you again.
Rose ~ Thanks for the support and never fear. I like Ororo too much to hurt her or crush her completely. Same with Meranda. I think I'm just going to see where it leads for now before I make any hard decisions. Thanks for the songs. I thought about using one of them, but it just didn't feel right to me when I wrote it in. I really appreciate you sending them to me though. A LOT.
Original ~ I don't know what will happen to it yet. Maybe nothing, maybe everything. You'll just have to keep reading I suppose…::evil laugh::
Kendarath ~ That's okay. I'll just run over my college stuff with a Mac Truck. Yeah, I'm liking that idea. Well glad you loved the chapters. I try. And apparently succeed. And thanks for voting. Really appreciate it.
Shadowkeeper ~ Well, you're the first one to say both. I'm still unsure though. I'll figure it out eventually so never fear. I'm glad you like my story that much. I'm never sure how well I'm doing with my characters and all so thanks. I just hope I don't disappoint in the future.
So far it's more for Logan/Meranda than it is for Logan/Ororo, but no decisions have been made yet so keep voting. Thanks again guys and gals!
Oh, and I also don't own "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby" by Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch on the Oh Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. (That's where I got this song from anyway.)
Authors Note: K, here's chapter two for this week. Let's hope the flow sticks and I can get up another.
'text' internal speech
Wandering Souls
Chapter 18: Explanations
Ororo let out a contented sigh as she looked around the rec room. All of the students of the Institute and instructors as well were gathered watching Star Wars (AN they play this a lot on tv, so it fits.) on the big tv in the rec room. This was how it was supposed to be. She sat curled up on the couch next to Logan, his arm around her shoulders and her head resting on his chest. The Professor sat in his wheelchair next to the couch and Beast sat in the chair next to that, both more engrossed in the books they were reading than in the movie. The students were spread out around the room.
Scott and Jean sat in front of the couch, sharing a bowl of popcorn, blushing a bit every time their fingers touched one another. Wanda lounged comfortably in Evan's lap in a large, overstuffed, armchair. Evan had his arm draped over Wanda's shoulder and their fingers were interlaced as they watched the movie intently. Amara and John were curled up on the floor, leaning against the couch, also watching intently as were Jubilee and Piotr who sat on the nearby settee. Jubilee leaned against Piotr's broad chest and popped her gum absentmindedly. Kitty and Kurt sat next to each other, directly in front of the tv. Ororo had given up telling them it was bad for their eyes over an hour ago. And finally, at the other end of the couch sat Rogue and Remy, both absorbed in the film. Remy had his feet propped up on the coffee table, his arm draped around Rogue who was snuggled closely to him, her legs tucked under her and her head resting on his chest, much to her fathers disapproval.
Logan growled as he noticed Remy's hand drop down lower and wrap around Rogue's waist.
"Logan," Ororo said sternly as she looked up at him. "Let them be."
He grunted as she ran her fingers softly up his chest and over his firm muscles.
"Oh, this is the best part mates," John exclaimed as the battle between Luke and Darth Vader began.
Suddenly the screen went black before a news broadcast came on. "We interrupt this show for a special report," the young Asian reporter began.
"Bloody hell!" John exclaimed.
"Hush sweetie," Amara said firmly. "This could be important."
Charles and Hank put down their books and listened intently.
"Hours ago, an attack was waged from the inside on one of our own government bases in upstate New York. We are unsure as to yet what the cause of the bases destruction was, but it is believed that Mutants were involved," as the reporter spoke, pictures of a burning military base flashed over the screen. "There have been several injuries reported, but there are only two known casualties at this time," the next image to appear was a dark skinned man with wire glasses, a lab coat and a salt and pepper crew cut appeared on the screen as the Reporter continued to speak. "Dr. Nathaniel Q. Townshend, a well known and well respected army geneticists." Another picture flashed up of a beautiful black haired woman with striking emerald eyes. "And Sergeant Meranda Davidson. No other casualties have yet to be reported."
Rogue's heart stopped as Kitty quickly hit the off button on the remote. "Ah just found her," she whispered as Remy wrapped her into a hug.
Logan quickly got up, walking over to Rogue and placing his arms around her. "There, there darlin," he soothed as she let the two men in her life hold her, silent tears falling from her eyes.
The other members of the X-Men watched on in utter silence, hurting for their friend.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Meranda let out a relieved sigh as she pulled the Harley up to the gates of the Xavier Institute. She looked at the high tech security system and gave out a humpf sound as she gripped the bars and teleported herself and the bike to the front door of the institute, clear of all the devices. She pulled off her helmet and smiled, kicking out the stand and rising off the bike. She rested the helmet on the handlebars and fluffed her hair a bit, looking down at her torn and tattered uniform. 'Yeah, great first impression,' she thought as she walked over to the door and poised her hand to knock. Waves of sadness almost overcame her and she knew where they were coming from. "Marie," she whispered before hitting the door forcefully, hearing it creek in protest under her strength. She stopped and waited, hoping someone would hurry to the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ororo heard the knocking and quickly rushed to the door, begging the Goddess for it to be good news. She opened the doors quickly. "Yes?" she asked as the woman looked up into Ororo's blue eyes with emerald green ones. "By the goddess!" Ororo exclaimed taking a step back.
"Yes, she does work mysteriously and for our good," Meranda replied sniffing the air slightly, smelling Logan all over this woman. Jealously flared inside her for a moment, but she quickly fought it down. Now wasn't the time. "I'm here to see my daughter."
Ororo quickly recovered and stepped aside, allowing the woman to enter. "We just saw the news. They said you were dead," she said closing the door behind them.
"Yeah, well, sorry to disappoint," Meranda retorted heading towards the rec room. She entered and stopped in the doorway as she saw all the inhabitants of the school huddled around Logan and the boy from the alley, Rogue wrapped between their arms, sobbing silently. 'Damn that doctor!' she cursed inwardly as she thought back to when Rogue was a little girl. 'What the hell was that damn song?' Suddenly the words came back to her, and Meranda's beautiful silky voice began to sing.
"Go to sleep you little baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
Your mamma's gone away
And your daddy's gonna stay.
Didn't leave nobody but the baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
Everybody's gone
And cotton and the corn
Didn't leave nobody but the baby.
You're a sweet little baby.
You're a sweet little baby.
Honey and the rock and the sugar don't stop
Gonna bring a bottle to the baby
Don't you weep pretty baby.
Don't you weep pretty baby.
She's long gone with her red shoes on
Gonna need another lovin' baby
Go to sleep you little baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
You and me and the devil makes three
Don't need no other lovin' baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
Go to sleep you little baby.
Come lay your bones on the alabaster stones a
And be my ever lovin' baby."
All eyes fell on Meranda as she sang. Slowly, moving with the beat of the song, Meranda made her way across the room to where Rogue sat looking up at her, the tears quickly drying on Rogue's face. When she finished singing, Meranda knelt before the couch and brushed a stray hair from out of Rogue's eyes. Rogue launched herself into Meranda's arms, hugging the older woman tightly. "Don't believe everything you see on tv sugar," Meranda whispered, hugging her back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The X-Men all sat around the war room, staring at the black haired goddess before them. Meranda had cleaned up and been given a clean uniform. She fidget slightly in the tight fitting article. Before looking back at the others, offering them a weak smile letting her eyes settle on Logan, who stood leaning against the wall. An awkward silence had long since settled over the room and everyone was afraid to break it.
Kitty was the first to speak, surprising none of the X-Men. "So Meranda, like, what's your power?"
Meranda let out a small snort and leaned back in her chair. "What isn't?" she breathed as she looked back towards the small girl. "What's your power?"
Kitty looked taken aback, unsure if the woman was making fun of her or serious. "I can, like, walk through walls and stuff," she finally answered, figuring the woman was in fact serious.
"Oh, like this?" Meranda asked as she passed her hand clean through the table.
"What's going on Meranda? Last time I checked, you could just make it dark as hell," Logan growled. This wasn't the same woman he'd fallen in love with. It had all returned to him when Rogue came home and this Meranda wasn't the same as the one he remembered. "Now here you show up out of the blue, talk to Rogue, get her hopes up and then skip out for three weeks and we see that bit on the news and here you are," Logan became so angry, his claws popped out with a loud SNIKT.
"Oh give it a rest already!" Meranda barked back. "I don't wanna hear your shit right now okay. I've had a bad day."
"What happened Meranda?" Xavier asked, trying to bring some peace back to the room.
"It's a long story," Meranda sighed looking around the room at the expectant faces and for once, realizing just how tired she was.
"We've got time mamma," Rogue whispered. She was sitting next to Meranda, with Remy on her other side, squeezing her hand, giving her his support.
"Okay, well I guess I should start from the beginning. I didn't remember anything really. Not till I saw Rogue at the theatre the other night, then after I got back from my mission, I went looking for answers. I wasn't sure who did this to our family," she looked up at Logan and then at Rogue before continuing. "But I had a pretty good idea where to start."
~Flashback~
Meranda lay on the floor. She could hear Marie calling to her but she couldn't move. Everything was just so cold. And it all hurt so much. But she knew she had to get to her daughter. She opened her eyes and watched as everything started to get dimmer and for once, she knew it wasn't her powers. Then she heard the other voice in the room with Marie.
"Don't you remember honey? I'm your mom."
'No!' Meranda screamed internally, trying with everything she had to get to her daughter. She knew that voice and she'd be damned if she'd let that bitch of a shape shifter near her baby girl. "Marie…" she managed to whisper before everything went completely black.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Good work Ms. Darkholm," Dr Townshend said to the red haired, blue skinned woman as she handed the now sleeping child to Irene in the back seat of the limo. He watched as the stretcher moved from the house to the ambulance, Meranda barley alive on it. "You have served your government well."
"My government is not who I serve," Mystique barked turning on him. "You got what you wanted and I got what I wanted. End of discussion. And don't even think of touching her," she added, referring to the small girl. "She's mine!"
Townshend grinned at the woman's ignorance. "Believe me Raven, I have no interest in her. It's the mother that intrigues me."
"Good," Mystique replied climbing into the car.
The good doctor watched the limo drive off.
"Sir, what do you want us to do about the house?" a solider came up and asked after Meranda had been safely loaded onto the stretcher.
"Burn it," Townshend replied as he headed towards the ambulance, boarding and looking down at his prize. This had been Townshend's dream for years. He had been beginning to wonder if he'd ever get the opportunity to test his theory until Meranda and Logan had come into the Gynecologists office four years ago. A blood sample and a phone call led Townshend to a mutant whose DNA could be easily changed and enhanced. It would have been nice to get the child as well, but this was better than nothing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Townshend looked on proudly as he injected the bit of DNA he'd gotten from the SHIELD office. 'How appropriate,' he thought as he injected the material into Meranda's arm. 'The first test and it's with your husbands DNA.' He chuckled slightly as he finished the injection and left the room, going into the control room.
"We're ready when you are doctor," his assistant replied as Townshend settled himself before the controls.
"Good, than let's begin," he said as he fiddled with a few knobs before powering up the highly radioactive laser, sending the beam straight into Meranda's body.
Meranda could feel the burning pain and her eyes shot open, a blood curdling scream filling the air as she begged the Goddess for death.
Townshend stopped the beam and watched with pride as the hole in Meranda's heart healed before his eyes.
~End Flashback~
"Wow, bummer," Evan breathed, breaking the silence after Meranda spoke. Everyone nodded in agreement with Evan as they stared at her.
"So, Mystique sided with this doctor to get Rogue for herself," Jean said, trying to straighten everything out in her mind. "And so the doctor could have you?" Meranda nodded slowly. "But why?"
"Because of my DNA. It may even explain Marie's powers," Meranda replied looking over at her daughter and taking her hand. "My DNA is easily manipulated. It can adapt to new information and encode it as if it were always there. It kind of absorbs it, like Rogue's skin does."
"But why would anyone want to do that?" Scott asked, looking confused.
"He was making the perfect weapon," Logan stated looking over at Meranda. "One no one could stop."
"Seems he succeeded, because not even he could stop me tonight," Meranda whispered as she thought back to the destruction she had caused.
"So you like got everyone's powers than mate?" John spoke up looking at Meranda with new excitement.
"Pretty much," Meranda replied as she looked over towards Rogue who had been very quiet.
"Does that mean you can touch Rogue too? Like Logan can?" Wanda asked.
"Yes. Rogue has a combination of mine and Logan's DNA. Which means that her genetic material is a part of both of ours. Somehow, the mixing and splicing has given us both an immunity to her powers. That's why we can touch her."
Rogue glanced over at Remy who sat there, squeezing her hand. She offered him a small smile as he brought her gloved hand to his lips and kissed the knuckles.
"How can ya teach meh to control mah powers?" Rogue finally asked, glancing nervously at her mother. "Ya said ya could in the parkin' lot."
"I can sugar," Meranda responded smiling at her daughter. "I've learned how to control all of these, and I assume you've learned to control the powers you absorb. Together we'll find the answer," she gave her daughter an encouraging pat on the shoulder, flashing her a smile.
"Well, it seems we've all had a long night," the Professor said as he looked around the group. "Perhaps it would be best if we all got some sleep and discussed this farther in the morning. Logan, why don't you show Meranda to the spare room in the teachers wing?"
"Sure thing Chuck," Logan growled as he pushed off of the wall. Everyone else rose as well.
"Ah'm glad yer home mamma," Rogue said wrapping her arms around Meranda.
"Me too sugar," Meranda hugged her back and kissed Rogue's forehead. "Now go to bed. It's late."
The kids left the room, heading upstairs, leaving the adults.
"I appreciate you giving me a home here Professor Xavier," Meranda said turning to him. "I don't think I could be away from my family any more."
"It's quite alright. We're happy to have you," Charles replied smiling warmly before heading for his own room. "Sleep well Meranda."
"As Shakespeare says, parting is such sweet sorrow," Hank said smiling at Meranda as he followed the Professor out the door leaving only Ororo, Logan and Meranda.
"I'll be waiting out in the hallway," Meranda said heading towards the door.
"Why?" Logan asked looking over at her, unsure of all the conflicting feelings in his heart.
"Look, I'm trying to make this as easy as possible alright," Meranda said, whirling around to face the other two. "I'm not blind and I'm not naïve. And," to emphasize her point, she tapped her nose. "I can smell her all over you." With that she spun around and headed out into the hallway, leaving Logan and Ororo alone in the briefing room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ro…" Logan began, but was quickly cut off by Ororo's hand, resting on his lips.
"I understand Logan," Ororo sighed and looked into his brown eyes with her deep blue ones. "You have been through a lot lately and I know that you are confused. Just take your time and know that I am here for you. The fates will spin this as it needs to be," she leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his lips before walking out the door into the hallway.
Meranda looked up and her and Ororo's eyes met for a moment before Meranda spoke. "Y'know, I loved him with all my heart from the moment we met," she looked down at her hands for a moment before returning her gaze to Ororo's. "I still love him. But I'm glad you've been the one taking care of him these past few years."
"Thank you," Ororo said, unsure what to do at this point. A part of her wanted to fight for Logan, while another part knew that wasn't the diplomatic thing to do. "Good night and sleep well."
"Night," Meranda replied as she watched the woman head for the elevator. "Oh and Ororo!"
"Yes?" Ororo stopped and turned to face the woman.
"Blessed be."
"Blessed be."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So here's your room," Logan said as he opened the door to the spare room, allowing Meranda to enter first.
"Not bad," she said looking around, taking everything in. "It'll be even better once I get some stuff to put up, but not all together bad." She flopped down on the bed, bouncing slightly to get a feel for the mattress.
"So, I'll let you get some sleep," Logan began, turning to leave before Meranda's voice stopped him.
"Miss me any?" her voice was hardly above a whisper and if his senses weren't what they were, he probably wouldn't have heard it.
Logan stopped and turned to face her. "I searched the house up and down for you and all I found was the smell of your blood. It hurt so much thinking you and Stripes were dead I had to block it. I missed you to the point I couldn't function, so I just forgot everything. And now here you are and I love you, but."
"You love Ororo too," Meranda finished for him, rising and walking over to him, standing in front of the man that she'd loved all those years ago. "I get that," she brushed a hair from his eyes. "And I might one day be able to accept that. But right now, I just don't want to," she reached her head up and kissed him tenderly. "See ya in the morning," she said, pushing him out of the room before she did anything stupid, and shutting the door behind him.
Logan shook his head slowly before heading up to bed himself.
Authors Note: And hopefully questions had now been answered. I'm too tired right now to figure out what the next chapters going to be about so I'll just wait and let inspiration hit. I have a question you guys. I have another story that is more based off of the x-men movies staring Meranda and Logan and of course our favorite Southern couple. If I were to put it up would any of you guys want to read it? Well, I'll let you all go for now since it's shout out time. Take care all and thanks again for reviewing.
Invader ZaiFae ~ I know, I love her too. She's so great. Damn homework and even worse writers block. It's such a bitch. I think after this chapter it will be easier to tell what kinda person Meranda is. So by all means, wait to vote. I'm still unsure of who Logan will end up with. Once again thanks for the review of Cajun Spice. I'm less in the dark now and it's great.
Ishandahalf ~ Naked Remy was fun wasn't he? Especially for me to write so you can count that Rogue will accidentally on purpose" walk in on him. Hehehe . I like your reason for voting the way you did. I agree, you can.
Rogue77 ~ I check your story everyday to see if it's been updated. I thought I'd put up a review for your last two chapters but apparently not so I'll have to go back and do that. I'll try to squeeze in some more Toad action for ya. And thanks for voting. I still don't know what I'll do yet, but the majority seems to be telling me to put Logan back with Meranda. I guess only time will tell.
Mercury Dream ~ I will take your vote into consideration but I can't make any promises right now cause I'm not sure what I'm gonna do yet and I'd hate to say something and then go back on it. I'll keep your vote in mind though and no matter what, Meranda will be playing a part in Rogue's life. Logan's though…that's another story.
Denial ~ Naked Remy is always, and I mean ALWAYS, a way to have good dreams. Well, Meranda's powers are complicated non? Hehehe. Yeah, she's all powerful pretty much, like a certain X-Men we all know and love. (Remy especially loves her.)
Weeble Wobble Chic ~ Wow, more love. And here, another cookie. And a brownie too if you review.
VIcKy101 ~ Don't worry, everything will be revealed and..oh wait most of it just was! Sorry, long day at work and sarcasm reigns supreme. Hope you liked this chapt and it answered most of your questions, and even more I hope it caused a few new ones to come up. That's what makes stories interesting.
Dark Dragon Fire Demon ~ Me too. I like feeling special. That's okay, you're not the only one who missed it which tells me I didn't do a very good job explaining it and okay now I sound like some of my old high school teachers but anyway. Hopefully this chapter cleared it up even more. And it's a deal. You review and I give you something to review. Sounds like a fair trade. So now I have done my part so…your turn!
Anee ~ Arain better not insult Remy in my presence either or else I'll have to get out my baseball bat. I think this chapter answered about all of your questions. But I'm sure there are more. And it's okay. Rogue and Remy are pretty damn stubborn too sometimes. Especially Remy, I keep telling him it's okay for him to walk around the entire story butt naked, but he just won't do it.
Starfire ~ Wow again. That was so sweet of you! I've never been told I was an asset before. No need for puppy eyes. The writing will continue. It's one of the only things that keeps me sane. Thanks for the review.
HPFANATIC-21 ~ Well now I know I should have taken your word on it. Remind me of this if I ever doubt you again.
Rose ~ Thanks for the support and never fear. I like Ororo too much to hurt her or crush her completely. Same with Meranda. I think I'm just going to see where it leads for now before I make any hard decisions. Thanks for the songs. I thought about using one of them, but it just didn't feel right to me when I wrote it in. I really appreciate you sending them to me though. A LOT.
Original ~ I don't know what will happen to it yet. Maybe nothing, maybe everything. You'll just have to keep reading I suppose…::evil laugh::
Kendarath ~ That's okay. I'll just run over my college stuff with a Mac Truck. Yeah, I'm liking that idea. Well glad you loved the chapters. I try. And apparently succeed. And thanks for voting. Really appreciate it.
Shadowkeeper ~ Well, you're the first one to say both. I'm still unsure though. I'll figure it out eventually so never fear. I'm glad you like my story that much. I'm never sure how well I'm doing with my characters and all so thanks. I just hope I don't disappoint in the future.
So far it's more for Logan/Meranda than it is for Logan/Ororo, but no decisions have been made yet so keep voting. Thanks again guys and gals!