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. And I don't own Buffy the Vampire Slayer or any of it's references or quotes. Oh, but I do own Ebony and the story idea and probably any characters you don't recognize. Yay me. And I don't technically own Sakura and Eric. My friend Megan does. So let's all thank her. Everyone together, THANK YOU MEGAN.
Authors Note: Everyone, y'all need to go and read Mercury Dream's stuff. It's really, really, really, really, really good. (Did I mention really?) A Rogue's Touch and All Grown Up are my favorites but the others are all really good as well. So go read her stuff to. Now, quickly! Oh, and if any of you didn't already know, Ishandahalf has posted a fic that you all need to go read too.
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dreams
Wandering Souls
Chapter 33: Undercover Work's a Bitch.
Rogue made her way slowly down the stairs and into the bottom floor of the warehouse stretching as she walked. She looked around and saw Sakura sitting at her computer terminal, tapping at the keys. She walked over and looked at the screen. "Mornin," she said, gaining no reaction from the Hacker. "Watcha lookin' at?" Rogue tried again, as the images flashed quickly across the screen.
"Huh?" Sakura asked, never looking up from the screen as she kept at her task.
"Nothin'," Rogue replied and headed into the kitchen where Madison sat at the bar, eating an apple. "Mornin'." Rogue said entering the kitchen and heading towards the coffee pot.
"Morning," Madison replied smirking over at Rogue. "So, I was thinking maybe we should have soundproofed all the bedrooms instead of just ours."
Rogue's face turned a bright shade of red as she spun around and glared at the indigo haired girl, who sat grinning broadly. Rogue ducked her head and groaned, covering her face with her hands.
Madison laughed loudly as she watched her friend, tears coming to her eyes. "Oh come on girl I want details! At least tell me if he was any good or not."
"Bon at what?" Remy asked, choosing that moment to come into the kitchen, a mischievous smirk in his eyes.
Rogue's head shot up as she glared at Madison before turning back to Remy, who had walked over and snaked his arms around her waist, kissing her temple. "Good at fixin' bikes," she stammered. "Why don't ya go out and show the boys how it's done sugah?"
Remy smirked and kissed her lips sweetly, "As y' wish mon amore." He took the cup from her hand and took a drink. "Merci cherie," he added before grabbing his trench coat and heading out into the garage, closing the door behind him.
Madison sat clutching her sides, trying desperately to hold in her laughter as she rested her head on the counter.
"Oh shut up," Rogue growled, throwing a dishtowel at her head as Madison continued to laugh.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Remy walked out into the ample garage, admiring the array of Bikes and cars that stretched as far as his demon eyes could see. Near the middle of the room, Tony and Eric were examining the six bikes they would be taking that evening. Remy strode across the room, stopping next to them, pulling out a cigarette and lightening it with his index finger. "Bonjour mes amis."
Eric offered him a nod as he began adjusting the fuel line.
Tony smirked up at him. "So guess I wasn't the only one who got laid last night."
"Yeah, but you were the only one who had to beg for it," Eric added stoically.
Remy laughed as Tony's face turned beat red and he shot his friend a glare, gripping the wrench tighter in his hand. "Say it again dead-boy," Tony growled slapping the wrench against the palm of his right hand
"Ahem," Madison cleared her throat causing the three men to turn and look at her. She stood leaning against the doorframe. "I distinctly remember telling you boys to play nice," she said as she looked at them sternly. "Now come on, we have a meeting."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Alright, here's the plan," Madison said as she tapped a few keys on the table in front of her, a holographic image of a military base appeared in the center of the table. "We need to get here," she tapped another key and a room highlighted in red. "That's where our target is."
"And what exactly is the target?" Rogue asked, crossing her arms over her chest she leaned back against the chair.
"It's the information on the Legacy Virus," Sakura said, moving to tap a few more keys, changing the image to a complex molecule spinning slowly in the middle of the table.
"What's dis Legacy Virus?" Remy asked shuffling his cards. From the sounds of it, it was just a simple theft which put him in his element. It was very rare that he actually got to do anything that required much effort on his part since he'd joined the X-men and had to settle with picking pockets at football games and other events. And, on more than one occasion, the wallet he found in his hands had been Scott's.
"The Legacy Virus is a genetically engineered virus, made to target the mutant X gene. And it could mean an end to the entire mutant populace," Sakura supplied as she tapped a few more keys, bringing up a map of the United States, over 70% of it covered in a red haze. "This is a map of the estimated effect it will have if it is released into the air. The red is the infected populace within a week of exposure."
"And by what Kura found," Madison spoke up quietly, "It has a 98% mortality rate."
Everyone sat in silence for a moment, Rogue and Remy soaking in what they had just been told. 'Ah wonder if the Professor knows,' Rogue thought shaking her head slowly. "So what are we gonna do?"
"Uh, I don't know Rogue, take it maybe?" Tony replied sarcastically. "Add to the collection. How do you think it'll look over there next to the Van Gogh?"
Everyone ignored Tony, continuing in the discussion. "This base has everything from what we can tell," Sakura said sliding a folder over to Rogue and Remy. "The virus, the antidote, all the research, everything. We go in, take that and blow the place, literally."
"So why do you want it so bad?" Rogue asked looking up at the map.
"Black mail the government," Sakura said, a far off twinkle in her eye.
"Besides, we do have this one mutant friend that we are kind of fond of," Madison added.
"Forewarned forearmed," Eric added coolly.
"Speaking of which," Sakura said turning off the hologram and looking at them all seriously. "Be extra careful here guys. I found gaps in some of the records."
"Gaps?" Remy looked at her seriously.
"Missing information. I think there's something more going on at this base than meets the eye," Sakura answered.
"Paranoid much," Madison asked, grinning. "I thought that was my job."
"You're probably just slipping in your old age 'Kura," Tony added kissing Madison's hand. "Forgot to decrypt something."
"If it was there I would have found it," Sakura answered simply. "It's just not there which worries me even more."
"Okay guys," Madison said seriously, rising from her chair. "We know the plan. We leave at eighteen hundred hours." Everyone stared at her like she was insane. "Fine!" she said rolling her eyes. "Six okay? Last time I ever try to make these meetings more professional. Just be ready then."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Madison walked confidently down from the garage, having done a double check on the bikes. Everything had to be perfect and it was her job to prepare for any surprises and she took it very seriously. The others were all good. The best at what they did, but Madison had a certain quality that made her their leader. Sakura was the laid back one, taking everything in stride. She could take the leader position when she had too but preferred to do things on her own or with Eric, rather than barking out orders. And the guys liked being the muscle in the group. It was what Tony was best at, and with Eric's quiet, nonchalant disposition, it just didn't work. Madison though liked making decisions and with practice she got good at it and she had no problems telling others what to do.
She walked thru the training room and towards a room even farther back. She opened the door silently and peeked in, smiling at the sight before her. Eric and Sakura stood in the middle of the room, he in a pair of black drawstring pants with his hair pulled back into a pony tail, her in a red tank top and black pants, the room filled with claming oriental music as they practiced their Thai Chi together. She shook her head slowly before shutting the door and turning to find Tony grinning across the room, leaning in the door frame. He was shirtless as well, in a pair of hunter green pants, his dragon tattoo rippling with the muscles of his upper left arm. Madison watched it move, thinking back to the time when they got them.
~Flashback~
"Oh come on Rogue, it'll be fun!" Madison said grabbing Rogue's hands and dragging her into the tattoo parlor, Tony following, his hands in his pockets and a smirk on his face. Sakura and Eric made up the rear, her arm around his waist while his rested on her shoulders.
"Ah don't know," Rogue looked around skeptically as they entered.
"Oh come on, it's just like the belly button ring only more needles," Madison said as she looked back at the others. "We should all get something that matches!"
"I'm game," Sakura said as she peeled off her jacket.
"And where are you girls going to put these exactly?" Tony asked as Eric raised an eyebrow. "I mean, don't you have enough already?"
Madison took in a sharp breath, staring at him in horror.
"For shame!" Sakura scolded him. "You can never have too many."
"Okay, Ah'll git one," Rogue said taking off her own jacket. "But, only if Tony and Eric git them too."
Madison smirked as Tony visibly paled at the thought of getting inked while Madison and Sakura grabbed his arms, pulling off his jacket and dragging him over to the chair. Eric just smirked and complied, shedding his jacket and sitting in the chair next to Tony. "So what are we getting?" Sakura asked as Rogue stared up at the board.
"Well it should be somethin' that represents us," Rogue said examining the cookie cutters.
"Hey! That reminds me," Madison said looking at the group. "We need a name."
Everyone looked at each other before turning and settling there eyes on Eric, who crossed his arms over his chest, scratching his chin thoughtfully.
"Alito Dei Draghi," he said after a moment, smirking proudly.
"Oh I like it," Madison said as she looked back at the board.
"Ah do too but what the hell does it mean?" Rogue asked turning back as well.
"Breath of the Dragon," Sakura filled in as she perched on Eric's knee in the chair as Big John brought out the needles and settled on the stool, waiting for their choice.
"Oh, then that one," Rogue said pointing to a dragon, poised to attack, wings extend, claws bared and teeth gleaming.
"Perfect," Madison commented as she pulled off her jacket. "Let's do it then. Oh, and do Tony's in green."
~End Flashback~
"Earth to Maddie," Tony said waving a hand in front of her face, letting it rest on her lower back as he pulled her close to him. She shook her head and looked at him, smiling sweetly as she leaned against his chest. "Imagining me naked again?" he teased kissing her forehead.
"Haha, as if I don't see that enough," Madison hit his chest lightly, smiling up at him. "Are we going to practice or not?"
"Of course," Tony replied, letting her go and hooking his foot around hers, pulling her to the ground. "As you wish."
Madison growled, placing her hands above her head and flipping herself up onto her feet, glaring over at her boyfriend as they began to circle each other slowly, beginning there ritual preparation.
Meanwhile, Rogue and Remy were preparing in their own way. Remy walked around the house, searching every drawer and cabinet for spare playing cards while Rogue sat in the center of their bed, her legs crossed, eyes closed and hands resting on her knees as she meditated. Remy came back into the room smirking over at her as she hovered above the bed. "Bonjour cherie," he said, pulling her out of her trance, as she slowly floated back onto the mattress.
"Hey sugah, find what ya needed?' she asked laying back on the bed, her legs still crossed, stretching her arms over her head, touching the headboard, as he flopped down next to her.
"Oui," he shuffled a pack of cards grinning at her. "And what have y' been up t' mon amore?"
"Jus' meditatin'," she replied wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down to her, kissing him sweetly. "And Maddie brought meh some cloths," she added pointing over to the box on the chair.
"Ah," Remy replied, wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling his face into her hair. "What time is it ma chere?"
"Three thirty, why?" Rogue asked turning and looking at him, seeing a mischievous glint in his eye.
"So we have over deux hours t' kill non?" he asked, arching his eyebrows suggestively.
She smirked over at him, "Ah guess we do. What'd ya have in mind sugah?"
Remy smirked before leaning over and kissing her deeply.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue stood before the mirror, after having a refreshing shower, adjusting her borrowed cloths. It was a lot different from her X-Men uniform, being made of complete black leather. She was amazed at how well it fit as she ran her hand over the glistening black leather pants, hunter green ivy stitching running down each leg and ending over her normal combat boots. The shirt was a tight fitting leather tank top, melding with the pants. She pulled her hair back into a pony tail, letting the white streaks fall around her eyes. While she stood marveling at how long her hair had grown, a soft knock sounded on the door frame. She turned to see a pair of red and black eyes, running over her appreciatively. He let out a low whistle as he entered the room. "Y' look tres belle ma chere," Remy said wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close to him, running a hand up her arm.
"Eww dirty!" Madison exclaimed as she and Sakura entered the room. "My virgin eyes!"
"Virgin eyes mah ass," Rogue said rolling her eyes and pulling away from Remy. "And what's yer oversexed boyfriend's name again?"
"Harsh," Madison replied before pulling a large box out from behind her back. "And here we brought you presents and everything."
"Oh, presents," Rogue said walking over to Madison and taking the box and returning to the bed, setting it down and ripping off the lid revealing a black leather bomber. (AN: if you've seen the old X-Men cartoons, that jacket, only black without the X's on the shoulders. And on a completely off topic, I own a real jacket exactly like Rogues, with out the X's and in brown leather, but I digress.) Rogue's breath caught in her throat as she fingered the familiar object, lifting it gingerly out of the box. "Ah can't believe y'all still have it," she breathed, pulling it on over her outfit.
"Well where else would it be," Madison said rolling her eyes and walking over to the mirror. Adjusting her combat uniform. Rogue watched her, slightly unnerved by how much she looked like the psyche in Rogue's mind did in the same leather and blue outfit, complete with the long braid going down her back, two chopsticks sticking out from the top of her head, elaborately designed and clearly for decoration. (AN: See Chapter 29 Christmas at Xavier's)
"Gift giving's not thru yet," Sakura said, pulling another box from behind her own back. Her hair was pulled back into a thick bun, all the layers pulled back away from her face. She was dressed in a fitted black leather vest over a dark red long sleeve shirt, black leather pants with red flames stitched on the bottoms and her black doc martins. Her hands were covered in supple black leather gloves and over it all was her bike jacket complete with it's red angel wings on the back.
She handed it over to Rogue, who took it quickly, ripping off the top and pulling back the tissue paper. Her expression quickly turned into a wide grin as she set the box down, drawing a intrigued Remy to her side. She pulled out a pair of gleaming Sai's complete elaborately carved handles with fighting dragon's with jeweled eyes and gold finishing. Remy watched her take out the weapons and twirl them effortlessly before sticking them thru holders built into the back of her jacket, grinning over at him as she removed the rest of her "present." She pulled out a pair of matching 45 automatics, looking at them lovingly, checking the magazines before securing them both in the built in holsters in her jacket. "What else ya git meh?" Rogue asked flashing them both a smile, which scared and excited Remy all at once.
"What that wasn't enough?" Sakura asked raising an eyebrow before heading out the door and down the stairs.
"I think the real question is what did you get us?" Madison said crossing her arms and staring over at Rogue.
"Mah beautiful presences should be enough," Rogue said dramatically, as she watched Madison roll her eyes and head over too the door. "And mah dad didn't kill y'all," she added, grabbing Remy's hand and pulling him behind her.
"Oh please, I could a took him," Madison replied heading out to the garage.
"Y' ami, she have a death wish non?" Remy whispered as they followed her to the bikes and the others.
"No, she's just nuts," Rogue stated as they all headed out to meet their fate.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue moved silently along the perimeter of the base, following closely behind her friends as they made their way to an area of the fence, that from the files Sakura had hacked into, would be the least guarded. Remy watched how they all moved and was reminded of the days when he and his brother and cousin would go on jobs together. They moved as an entity, predicting the others thoughts and reactions. It was truly a sight to see.
They made it to the fence, Sakura removing an elaborate device and holding it near the fence, reading the electric charge on the fence and stowing it away in a back pocket, shaking her head slowly. Madison then looked over at Rogue who nodded and looked around before grabbing onto Sakura and Madison, lifting them effortlessly into the air, and over the fence. Rogue turned back to grab Remy, only to see him backing up away from the fence. He reached into his jacket and pulled out his Bo staff, extending it by pushing in two buttons, he vaulted over the fence, landing silently next to the girls with a smirk. Rogue smiled, a proud look in her eye, before turning back only to find Eric and Tony missing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The two trained military men moved silently towards the front gate house. Inside, two privates sat, watching the screens, guns in hand.
"Hey Marco, what's that?" one of the guys asked, pointing to the screen hooked up to the security camera at the far end of the base.
"Holy shit, Dave," the Marco said as he saw the four people standing over the perimeter. He reached for his radio, but never made it as he fell dead onto the console, following a sick cracking sound, his neck broken. His partner looked over in horror to see a taller man with amber eyes and dark black hair. He placed his finger over his mouth, a smirk playing at the corners and whispered Shh, before Dave felt strong hands on his head and then nothing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Taken care of?" Madison asked as Tony and Eric joined them after dispatching of the two guards at the front gate.
"They won't be telling anyone we're here if that's what you mean," Tony replied, cracking his gloved knuckles. "And something happened to the outdoor security system. Sadly, it's now malfunctioning," he added with a grin.
"Good boy," Madison smirked as they headed towards one of the many back doors. Sakura lifted a gloved hand and entered one of the pass codes she'd snagged from their files. The handle gave a satisfying click as the light above it turned from red to green, allowing them entrance. They entered quietly, Madison in the lead, stopping inside the door frame. Madison pulled out a aerosol can, spraying a light mist along the floor of the hallway, revealing the red laser motion detectors. "Indoor security's still working," she whispered as she noticed the camera's panning the area. "Someone's gonna have to shut it off."
"Allow meh sugah," Rouge said, floating high above the ground, near the ceiling and taking off down the hall to the box Sakura had indicated, flying above the range of the cameras, she reached the box, popped it open effortlessly and threw the switch, shutting down the base's security system. The group walked quickly, joining Rogue at the end of the hall. "Guess Ah drew some attention," Rogue stated as another alarm tripped, alerting the soldiers to a breech in protocol.
"Unimportant," Madison replied, looking back to the boys. "We stick to the plan. Can we get some cover please?" she asked as she drew her berretta, and headed down the hall, Tony and Eric fanning out in front of her, Sakura and Rogue as Remy took the back, a handful of glowing cards at the ready as they headed towards the room, near the north end of the compound
Around the bend, the group was met by ten soldiers, rifles armed.
"FREEZE!" One of them yelled, pointing the gun towards Sakura.
Eric was in action before anyone could react taking a step forward and grabbing the gun, slamming it back into the guys chest, cracking his sternum and sending it crashing into his heart, crushing his aorta. The guy fell to the ground in a lifeless heap, but Eric hardly noticed as he spun quickly, his trench coat billowing around him as he drew a pair of 45's, firing off into the crowd. Around them, Tony, Sakura, Madison, Rogue and Remy also launched into action, Rogue throwing punches, sending the poor saps unfortunate enough to get stuck behind her powerful fist, thru walls. Remy sent cards flying into the crowd while Sakura and Tony shot out with their guns. Madison however preferred a more personal approach, taking her dagger out of her boot and moved in close, striking out at whoever came near enough, leaving a trail of blood behind her.
"Keep moving!" Madison called behind her as she moved down the hallway. "This isn't the last of them and we've got to get to those vials before we're caught!"
They moved quickly down the hall, striking out at any attackers that came their way until they reached the room they were searching for. It was round, with glass windows looking in and several lab tables within, different cabinets and lockers held a variety of vials and beakers. Sakura entered the code to gain them access only to be denied. "Back up security," she said as she tried a different code only to have the same reaction. "They've changed the codes and shut down the lab."
"Allow me p'tite's," Remy said touching the handle and sending a glowing charge into it. "Step back," he said releasing it and turning his head. The girls covered their faces until they heard a loud pop and the door swung open.
"Aren't you handy," Madison said as she, Rogue and Sakura entered the room and the boys guarded the door. "The antidote should be over there," Madison indicated to Rogue as Sakura headed over to the computer, popping the back and pulling the hard drive and moving onto the files. Madison meanwhile made her way to the cabinet, popping it open with her knife and searching the vials, coming up with the one she wanted and securing it in a pocket between her breasts, built into her corset top. "You got it?" She asked Rogue who was still searching the vials.
"No," Rogue replied still searching the vials. "It ain't here!"
"Neither any information on the antidote," Sakura added as she pulled all the files she could, stuffing them into her vest.
"Shit!" Madison yelled as she heard the footsteps getting louder. "Fine, we take what we came for," she headed for the door, making following Sakura and Rogue out into the hallway. "Remy, a hand?" she said as he threw a gleaming card into the room, destroying it and any evidence with it. "Alright, let's move," she bellowed as she urged them down the hallway, taking up the back. 'First in last out, just like always,' Madison thought as she moved quickly down the hall. The door came into view and she smiled. 'Home free!' she shouted in her mind when a stinging sensation filled her shoulder. Her steps faltered and she staggered, grabbing her shoulder and pulling back a bloody palm. 'Shit!' she thought as she looked ahead, spinning to face her attackers, guns barred. 'They have to get out, even if I don't,' she thought, pulling her other berretta, and grinning at them. "Try again bitch!" she yelled, opening fire on the soldiers, emptying her berretta's into them before being overwhelmed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue flew thru the hole in the fence Remy had so kindly created for them. The whole base was alerted to their presence now so stealth wasn't an issue. They were making good time, running thru the woods behind the base and back to their bikes. Rogue couldn't even make out the others as she flew high above the ground, managing to keep clear of the lights that were sweeping the air above her as she watched for any sign that the others were captured.
She landed gracefully next to the bikes, Remy, Tony, Eric & Sakura emerging from the trees seconds after her.
"Where's Maddie?" Rogue asked looking around as they all paused to catch their breaths.
"She was right behind us," Tony panted, looking up and back at the wooded area they'd just come out of, expecting to see her walk confidently out of the woods, laughing at the fun they'd just had. "Where the fuck is she?" he bellowed heading back towards the base, only to have Eric block his path.
"Not wise my friend," the taller man stated, stopping Tony.
"That place is swarming with soldiers by now," Sakura stepped up next to him. "Let's just give her a minute."
"And if she's not here?" Tony growled over at her.
"Then they've got her," Sakura stated simply. "And we bomb the hell out of that place and get her out."
"Dat be wise?" Remy asked shuffling his cards. "Remy be thinkin' dat if y' bomb de place and she die too non?"
"Will you shut the fuck up already?" Sakura bellowed, tuning to face Remy, her eyes glowing with anger. "You're not in charge here! I am! And will you cool it with that first person shit? It bugs the hell out of me."
"Easy babe," Eric said softly as he placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed the top of her head, running his hands down her arms and pulled her close.
It had been over three minutes and Madison still hadn't returned. "Alright, we just have to figure out what we're going to do," Sakura said, leaning back against him, putting her hands to the sides of her head, pushing at her hair. "We've got the information, but she's got the virus on her."
"Will they be able to figure out what we were doing there then?" Tony asked, leaning against his bike, frustration clear on his face.
"No, she put it in her corset. Only we know how to retrieve it or even find the damn thing from there," Sakura replied pushing off of Eric to pace. Five minutes now and still no Madison. "We've just got to get in there and get her out."
"No," Rogue said quietly, taking a step forward.
"What the fuck did you say?" Sakura asked looking at her deadly.
"It's a stupid plan, even by Madison's standards. We go in there now we're as good as dead, or worse, captured," Rogue replied, crossing her arms over her chest. "They're an army. And ta fight an army, we'll need an army."
"Well where do you suppose we find an army?" Eric asked, putting a comforting hand on Sakura's shoulder again, pulling her too him and wrapping her in a hug, offering his support.
Rogue looked at Remy, who nodded slowly. "Ah know an army," she said turning back to her friends. "And they even have some ex military of there own."
Sakura, Eric and Tony all looked at each other a minute, silently communicating before Sakura turned back to Rogue. "Alright, Tony hide her bike. And Rogue, lead the way."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Madison hung limply in the center of the large circular room located miles below the military base. Her hands were bound tightly above her head, her right shoulder bleeding slowly from the bullet wound she'd received earlier. She surveyed her surroundings taking in the high walls, lined high above her head, with glass cages, each one containing a different person, ranging from all ages and races all beaten and malnourished. From what Madison could figure, judging simply by some of the prisoners more physical abnormalities, they were all mutants. And her stomach turned at the realization.
They had stripped her of her jacket and she felt naked hanging in the middle of the room. They'd also taken her barrette's and the few knives they'd been able to find. She smirked internally, remembering all the ones they couldn't find, two of which were just inches away from her itching hands.
"They left you y'know?' the interrogator paced before her. He stood at least 6'4", broad shouldered and a grim expression on his face. His name tag read Budry, and judging by the birds on the collar of his green and black camies, he was a Colonel. "Now tell me, did you honestly think they wouldn't?" he was trying to elicit a reaction from her, any kind of reaction, yet Madison was clearly disappointing him.
She stared straight ahead, her face devoid of emotion, her crystal blue eyes cold as ice as she watched the man. He stopped before her, his face inches from her own, onion on his breath. "WHAT WERE YOU DOING HERE? He bellowed. "WHAT DID YOU TAKE FROM THAT LAB?"
She glared at him, her lips in a tight line. 'Maybe you should do a better search next time,' she mocked him internally, the vial still concealed in the invisible pocket between her breasts. The pocket was designed so that no one would be able to find it unless they were looking for it. All of their uniforms had them, in case something like this ever happened. Then they could always come back and retrieve their prize, even if nothing was left but a body.
He took a step back and delivered a powerful backhand to her face, sending her head jerking to the left, pain surging thru her face and shoulder. "You WILL answer me," he stated glaring at her.
Madison looked back at him, defiance in her eyes. Suddenly a voice erupted in her mind. 'Stay strong young one,' her eyes looked past him and at an elderly woman, leaning against one of the upper level cells, her hand pressed against the glass, her dark skin hanging off her bones, and a strong look in her own eyes. 'Don't give in to him.'
'Never,' Madison thought back, letting her glare meet Budry's eyes. Blood trailed down from her bottom lip as a smirk appeared on her face. "Do you love my insides?" she asked, an insane lilt in her voice. "The parts you can't see?" (AN: Not mine, although it is one of my favorites. Drusilla says it in BTVS.)
"What the fuck does that mean?" he growled at her, his face turning a bright red as anger flooded his features.
"Esso mezzi, non sto dicendovi la merda," she replied in fluid Italian, her voice deadly and even. (Translation: It Means, I'm not telling you shit. AN: their name is Italian as well.)
He glared at her before slapping her once more for good measure. "Take her to the doctor. Let's see what her power is and if we can loosen her tongue a bit."
Authors Note: And here's another chapter. Hope to get the other up soon, but no promises once again. I won't have another day off from class in awhile. Thanks to all those who reviewed and hope you enjoyed.
Authors Note: Everyone, y'all need to go and read Mercury Dream's stuff. It's really, really, really, really, really good. (Did I mention really?) A Rogue's Touch and All Grown Up are my favorites but the others are all really good as well. So go read her stuff to. Now, quickly! Oh, and if any of you didn't already know, Ishandahalf has posted a fic that you all need to go read too.
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dreams
Wandering Souls
Chapter 33: Undercover Work's a Bitch.
Rogue made her way slowly down the stairs and into the bottom floor of the warehouse stretching as she walked. She looked around and saw Sakura sitting at her computer terminal, tapping at the keys. She walked over and looked at the screen. "Mornin," she said, gaining no reaction from the Hacker. "Watcha lookin' at?" Rogue tried again, as the images flashed quickly across the screen.
"Huh?" Sakura asked, never looking up from the screen as she kept at her task.
"Nothin'," Rogue replied and headed into the kitchen where Madison sat at the bar, eating an apple. "Mornin'." Rogue said entering the kitchen and heading towards the coffee pot.
"Morning," Madison replied smirking over at Rogue. "So, I was thinking maybe we should have soundproofed all the bedrooms instead of just ours."
Rogue's face turned a bright shade of red as she spun around and glared at the indigo haired girl, who sat grinning broadly. Rogue ducked her head and groaned, covering her face with her hands.
Madison laughed loudly as she watched her friend, tears coming to her eyes. "Oh come on girl I want details! At least tell me if he was any good or not."
"Bon at what?" Remy asked, choosing that moment to come into the kitchen, a mischievous smirk in his eyes.
Rogue's head shot up as she glared at Madison before turning back to Remy, who had walked over and snaked his arms around her waist, kissing her temple. "Good at fixin' bikes," she stammered. "Why don't ya go out and show the boys how it's done sugah?"
Remy smirked and kissed her lips sweetly, "As y' wish mon amore." He took the cup from her hand and took a drink. "Merci cherie," he added before grabbing his trench coat and heading out into the garage, closing the door behind him.
Madison sat clutching her sides, trying desperately to hold in her laughter as she rested her head on the counter.
"Oh shut up," Rogue growled, throwing a dishtowel at her head as Madison continued to laugh.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Remy walked out into the ample garage, admiring the array of Bikes and cars that stretched as far as his demon eyes could see. Near the middle of the room, Tony and Eric were examining the six bikes they would be taking that evening. Remy strode across the room, stopping next to them, pulling out a cigarette and lightening it with his index finger. "Bonjour mes amis."
Eric offered him a nod as he began adjusting the fuel line.
Tony smirked up at him. "So guess I wasn't the only one who got laid last night."
"Yeah, but you were the only one who had to beg for it," Eric added stoically.
Remy laughed as Tony's face turned beat red and he shot his friend a glare, gripping the wrench tighter in his hand. "Say it again dead-boy," Tony growled slapping the wrench against the palm of his right hand
"Ahem," Madison cleared her throat causing the three men to turn and look at her. She stood leaning against the doorframe. "I distinctly remember telling you boys to play nice," she said as she looked at them sternly. "Now come on, we have a meeting."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Alright, here's the plan," Madison said as she tapped a few keys on the table in front of her, a holographic image of a military base appeared in the center of the table. "We need to get here," she tapped another key and a room highlighted in red. "That's where our target is."
"And what exactly is the target?" Rogue asked, crossing her arms over her chest she leaned back against the chair.
"It's the information on the Legacy Virus," Sakura said, moving to tap a few more keys, changing the image to a complex molecule spinning slowly in the middle of the table.
"What's dis Legacy Virus?" Remy asked shuffling his cards. From the sounds of it, it was just a simple theft which put him in his element. It was very rare that he actually got to do anything that required much effort on his part since he'd joined the X-men and had to settle with picking pockets at football games and other events. And, on more than one occasion, the wallet he found in his hands had been Scott's.
"The Legacy Virus is a genetically engineered virus, made to target the mutant X gene. And it could mean an end to the entire mutant populace," Sakura supplied as she tapped a few more keys, bringing up a map of the United States, over 70% of it covered in a red haze. "This is a map of the estimated effect it will have if it is released into the air. The red is the infected populace within a week of exposure."
"And by what Kura found," Madison spoke up quietly, "It has a 98% mortality rate."
Everyone sat in silence for a moment, Rogue and Remy soaking in what they had just been told. 'Ah wonder if the Professor knows,' Rogue thought shaking her head slowly. "So what are we gonna do?"
"Uh, I don't know Rogue, take it maybe?" Tony replied sarcastically. "Add to the collection. How do you think it'll look over there next to the Van Gogh?"
Everyone ignored Tony, continuing in the discussion. "This base has everything from what we can tell," Sakura said sliding a folder over to Rogue and Remy. "The virus, the antidote, all the research, everything. We go in, take that and blow the place, literally."
"So why do you want it so bad?" Rogue asked looking up at the map.
"Black mail the government," Sakura said, a far off twinkle in her eye.
"Besides, we do have this one mutant friend that we are kind of fond of," Madison added.
"Forewarned forearmed," Eric added coolly.
"Speaking of which," Sakura said turning off the hologram and looking at them all seriously. "Be extra careful here guys. I found gaps in some of the records."
"Gaps?" Remy looked at her seriously.
"Missing information. I think there's something more going on at this base than meets the eye," Sakura answered.
"Paranoid much," Madison asked, grinning. "I thought that was my job."
"You're probably just slipping in your old age 'Kura," Tony added kissing Madison's hand. "Forgot to decrypt something."
"If it was there I would have found it," Sakura answered simply. "It's just not there which worries me even more."
"Okay guys," Madison said seriously, rising from her chair. "We know the plan. We leave at eighteen hundred hours." Everyone stared at her like she was insane. "Fine!" she said rolling her eyes. "Six okay? Last time I ever try to make these meetings more professional. Just be ready then."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Madison walked confidently down from the garage, having done a double check on the bikes. Everything had to be perfect and it was her job to prepare for any surprises and she took it very seriously. The others were all good. The best at what they did, but Madison had a certain quality that made her their leader. Sakura was the laid back one, taking everything in stride. She could take the leader position when she had too but preferred to do things on her own or with Eric, rather than barking out orders. And the guys liked being the muscle in the group. It was what Tony was best at, and with Eric's quiet, nonchalant disposition, it just didn't work. Madison though liked making decisions and with practice she got good at it and she had no problems telling others what to do.
She walked thru the training room and towards a room even farther back. She opened the door silently and peeked in, smiling at the sight before her. Eric and Sakura stood in the middle of the room, he in a pair of black drawstring pants with his hair pulled back into a pony tail, her in a red tank top and black pants, the room filled with claming oriental music as they practiced their Thai Chi together. She shook her head slowly before shutting the door and turning to find Tony grinning across the room, leaning in the door frame. He was shirtless as well, in a pair of hunter green pants, his dragon tattoo rippling with the muscles of his upper left arm. Madison watched it move, thinking back to the time when they got them.
~Flashback~
"Oh come on Rogue, it'll be fun!" Madison said grabbing Rogue's hands and dragging her into the tattoo parlor, Tony following, his hands in his pockets and a smirk on his face. Sakura and Eric made up the rear, her arm around his waist while his rested on her shoulders.
"Ah don't know," Rogue looked around skeptically as they entered.
"Oh come on, it's just like the belly button ring only more needles," Madison said as she looked back at the others. "We should all get something that matches!"
"I'm game," Sakura said as she peeled off her jacket.
"And where are you girls going to put these exactly?" Tony asked as Eric raised an eyebrow. "I mean, don't you have enough already?"
Madison took in a sharp breath, staring at him in horror.
"For shame!" Sakura scolded him. "You can never have too many."
"Okay, Ah'll git one," Rogue said taking off her own jacket. "But, only if Tony and Eric git them too."
Madison smirked as Tony visibly paled at the thought of getting inked while Madison and Sakura grabbed his arms, pulling off his jacket and dragging him over to the chair. Eric just smirked and complied, shedding his jacket and sitting in the chair next to Tony. "So what are we getting?" Sakura asked as Rogue stared up at the board.
"Well it should be somethin' that represents us," Rogue said examining the cookie cutters.
"Hey! That reminds me," Madison said looking at the group. "We need a name."
Everyone looked at each other before turning and settling there eyes on Eric, who crossed his arms over his chest, scratching his chin thoughtfully.
"Alito Dei Draghi," he said after a moment, smirking proudly.
"Oh I like it," Madison said as she looked back at the board.
"Ah do too but what the hell does it mean?" Rogue asked turning back as well.
"Breath of the Dragon," Sakura filled in as she perched on Eric's knee in the chair as Big John brought out the needles and settled on the stool, waiting for their choice.
"Oh, then that one," Rogue said pointing to a dragon, poised to attack, wings extend, claws bared and teeth gleaming.
"Perfect," Madison commented as she pulled off her jacket. "Let's do it then. Oh, and do Tony's in green."
~End Flashback~
"Earth to Maddie," Tony said waving a hand in front of her face, letting it rest on her lower back as he pulled her close to him. She shook her head and looked at him, smiling sweetly as she leaned against his chest. "Imagining me naked again?" he teased kissing her forehead.
"Haha, as if I don't see that enough," Madison hit his chest lightly, smiling up at him. "Are we going to practice or not?"
"Of course," Tony replied, letting her go and hooking his foot around hers, pulling her to the ground. "As you wish."
Madison growled, placing her hands above her head and flipping herself up onto her feet, glaring over at her boyfriend as they began to circle each other slowly, beginning there ritual preparation.
Meanwhile, Rogue and Remy were preparing in their own way. Remy walked around the house, searching every drawer and cabinet for spare playing cards while Rogue sat in the center of their bed, her legs crossed, eyes closed and hands resting on her knees as she meditated. Remy came back into the room smirking over at her as she hovered above the bed. "Bonjour cherie," he said, pulling her out of her trance, as she slowly floated back onto the mattress.
"Hey sugah, find what ya needed?' she asked laying back on the bed, her legs still crossed, stretching her arms over her head, touching the headboard, as he flopped down next to her.
"Oui," he shuffled a pack of cards grinning at her. "And what have y' been up t' mon amore?"
"Jus' meditatin'," she replied wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down to her, kissing him sweetly. "And Maddie brought meh some cloths," she added pointing over to the box on the chair.
"Ah," Remy replied, wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling his face into her hair. "What time is it ma chere?"
"Three thirty, why?" Rogue asked turning and looking at him, seeing a mischievous glint in his eye.
"So we have over deux hours t' kill non?" he asked, arching his eyebrows suggestively.
She smirked over at him, "Ah guess we do. What'd ya have in mind sugah?"
Remy smirked before leaning over and kissing her deeply.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue stood before the mirror, after having a refreshing shower, adjusting her borrowed cloths. It was a lot different from her X-Men uniform, being made of complete black leather. She was amazed at how well it fit as she ran her hand over the glistening black leather pants, hunter green ivy stitching running down each leg and ending over her normal combat boots. The shirt was a tight fitting leather tank top, melding with the pants. She pulled her hair back into a pony tail, letting the white streaks fall around her eyes. While she stood marveling at how long her hair had grown, a soft knock sounded on the door frame. She turned to see a pair of red and black eyes, running over her appreciatively. He let out a low whistle as he entered the room. "Y' look tres belle ma chere," Remy said wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close to him, running a hand up her arm.
"Eww dirty!" Madison exclaimed as she and Sakura entered the room. "My virgin eyes!"
"Virgin eyes mah ass," Rogue said rolling her eyes and pulling away from Remy. "And what's yer oversexed boyfriend's name again?"
"Harsh," Madison replied before pulling a large box out from behind her back. "And here we brought you presents and everything."
"Oh, presents," Rogue said walking over to Madison and taking the box and returning to the bed, setting it down and ripping off the lid revealing a black leather bomber. (AN: if you've seen the old X-Men cartoons, that jacket, only black without the X's on the shoulders. And on a completely off topic, I own a real jacket exactly like Rogues, with out the X's and in brown leather, but I digress.) Rogue's breath caught in her throat as she fingered the familiar object, lifting it gingerly out of the box. "Ah can't believe y'all still have it," she breathed, pulling it on over her outfit.
"Well where else would it be," Madison said rolling her eyes and walking over to the mirror. Adjusting her combat uniform. Rogue watched her, slightly unnerved by how much she looked like the psyche in Rogue's mind did in the same leather and blue outfit, complete with the long braid going down her back, two chopsticks sticking out from the top of her head, elaborately designed and clearly for decoration. (AN: See Chapter 29 Christmas at Xavier's)
"Gift giving's not thru yet," Sakura said, pulling another box from behind her own back. Her hair was pulled back into a thick bun, all the layers pulled back away from her face. She was dressed in a fitted black leather vest over a dark red long sleeve shirt, black leather pants with red flames stitched on the bottoms and her black doc martins. Her hands were covered in supple black leather gloves and over it all was her bike jacket complete with it's red angel wings on the back.
She handed it over to Rogue, who took it quickly, ripping off the top and pulling back the tissue paper. Her expression quickly turned into a wide grin as she set the box down, drawing a intrigued Remy to her side. She pulled out a pair of gleaming Sai's complete elaborately carved handles with fighting dragon's with jeweled eyes and gold finishing. Remy watched her take out the weapons and twirl them effortlessly before sticking them thru holders built into the back of her jacket, grinning over at him as she removed the rest of her "present." She pulled out a pair of matching 45 automatics, looking at them lovingly, checking the magazines before securing them both in the built in holsters in her jacket. "What else ya git meh?" Rogue asked flashing them both a smile, which scared and excited Remy all at once.
"What that wasn't enough?" Sakura asked raising an eyebrow before heading out the door and down the stairs.
"I think the real question is what did you get us?" Madison said crossing her arms and staring over at Rogue.
"Mah beautiful presences should be enough," Rogue said dramatically, as she watched Madison roll her eyes and head over too the door. "And mah dad didn't kill y'all," she added, grabbing Remy's hand and pulling him behind her.
"Oh please, I could a took him," Madison replied heading out to the garage.
"Y' ami, she have a death wish non?" Remy whispered as they followed her to the bikes and the others.
"No, she's just nuts," Rogue stated as they all headed out to meet their fate.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue moved silently along the perimeter of the base, following closely behind her friends as they made their way to an area of the fence, that from the files Sakura had hacked into, would be the least guarded. Remy watched how they all moved and was reminded of the days when he and his brother and cousin would go on jobs together. They moved as an entity, predicting the others thoughts and reactions. It was truly a sight to see.
They made it to the fence, Sakura removing an elaborate device and holding it near the fence, reading the electric charge on the fence and stowing it away in a back pocket, shaking her head slowly. Madison then looked over at Rogue who nodded and looked around before grabbing onto Sakura and Madison, lifting them effortlessly into the air, and over the fence. Rogue turned back to grab Remy, only to see him backing up away from the fence. He reached into his jacket and pulled out his Bo staff, extending it by pushing in two buttons, he vaulted over the fence, landing silently next to the girls with a smirk. Rogue smiled, a proud look in her eye, before turning back only to find Eric and Tony missing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The two trained military men moved silently towards the front gate house. Inside, two privates sat, watching the screens, guns in hand.
"Hey Marco, what's that?" one of the guys asked, pointing to the screen hooked up to the security camera at the far end of the base.
"Holy shit, Dave," the Marco said as he saw the four people standing over the perimeter. He reached for his radio, but never made it as he fell dead onto the console, following a sick cracking sound, his neck broken. His partner looked over in horror to see a taller man with amber eyes and dark black hair. He placed his finger over his mouth, a smirk playing at the corners and whispered Shh, before Dave felt strong hands on his head and then nothing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Taken care of?" Madison asked as Tony and Eric joined them after dispatching of the two guards at the front gate.
"They won't be telling anyone we're here if that's what you mean," Tony replied, cracking his gloved knuckles. "And something happened to the outdoor security system. Sadly, it's now malfunctioning," he added with a grin.
"Good boy," Madison smirked as they headed towards one of the many back doors. Sakura lifted a gloved hand and entered one of the pass codes she'd snagged from their files. The handle gave a satisfying click as the light above it turned from red to green, allowing them entrance. They entered quietly, Madison in the lead, stopping inside the door frame. Madison pulled out a aerosol can, spraying a light mist along the floor of the hallway, revealing the red laser motion detectors. "Indoor security's still working," she whispered as she noticed the camera's panning the area. "Someone's gonna have to shut it off."
"Allow meh sugah," Rouge said, floating high above the ground, near the ceiling and taking off down the hall to the box Sakura had indicated, flying above the range of the cameras, she reached the box, popped it open effortlessly and threw the switch, shutting down the base's security system. The group walked quickly, joining Rogue at the end of the hall. "Guess Ah drew some attention," Rogue stated as another alarm tripped, alerting the soldiers to a breech in protocol.
"Unimportant," Madison replied, looking back to the boys. "We stick to the plan. Can we get some cover please?" she asked as she drew her berretta, and headed down the hall, Tony and Eric fanning out in front of her, Sakura and Rogue as Remy took the back, a handful of glowing cards at the ready as they headed towards the room, near the north end of the compound
Around the bend, the group was met by ten soldiers, rifles armed.
"FREEZE!" One of them yelled, pointing the gun towards Sakura.
Eric was in action before anyone could react taking a step forward and grabbing the gun, slamming it back into the guys chest, cracking his sternum and sending it crashing into his heart, crushing his aorta. The guy fell to the ground in a lifeless heap, but Eric hardly noticed as he spun quickly, his trench coat billowing around him as he drew a pair of 45's, firing off into the crowd. Around them, Tony, Sakura, Madison, Rogue and Remy also launched into action, Rogue throwing punches, sending the poor saps unfortunate enough to get stuck behind her powerful fist, thru walls. Remy sent cards flying into the crowd while Sakura and Tony shot out with their guns. Madison however preferred a more personal approach, taking her dagger out of her boot and moved in close, striking out at whoever came near enough, leaving a trail of blood behind her.
"Keep moving!" Madison called behind her as she moved down the hallway. "This isn't the last of them and we've got to get to those vials before we're caught!"
They moved quickly down the hall, striking out at any attackers that came their way until they reached the room they were searching for. It was round, with glass windows looking in and several lab tables within, different cabinets and lockers held a variety of vials and beakers. Sakura entered the code to gain them access only to be denied. "Back up security," she said as she tried a different code only to have the same reaction. "They've changed the codes and shut down the lab."
"Allow me p'tite's," Remy said touching the handle and sending a glowing charge into it. "Step back," he said releasing it and turning his head. The girls covered their faces until they heard a loud pop and the door swung open.
"Aren't you handy," Madison said as she, Rogue and Sakura entered the room and the boys guarded the door. "The antidote should be over there," Madison indicated to Rogue as Sakura headed over to the computer, popping the back and pulling the hard drive and moving onto the files. Madison meanwhile made her way to the cabinet, popping it open with her knife and searching the vials, coming up with the one she wanted and securing it in a pocket between her breasts, built into her corset top. "You got it?" She asked Rogue who was still searching the vials.
"No," Rogue replied still searching the vials. "It ain't here!"
"Neither any information on the antidote," Sakura added as she pulled all the files she could, stuffing them into her vest.
"Shit!" Madison yelled as she heard the footsteps getting louder. "Fine, we take what we came for," she headed for the door, making following Sakura and Rogue out into the hallway. "Remy, a hand?" she said as he threw a gleaming card into the room, destroying it and any evidence with it. "Alright, let's move," she bellowed as she urged them down the hallway, taking up the back. 'First in last out, just like always,' Madison thought as she moved quickly down the hall. The door came into view and she smiled. 'Home free!' she shouted in her mind when a stinging sensation filled her shoulder. Her steps faltered and she staggered, grabbing her shoulder and pulling back a bloody palm. 'Shit!' she thought as she looked ahead, spinning to face her attackers, guns barred. 'They have to get out, even if I don't,' she thought, pulling her other berretta, and grinning at them. "Try again bitch!" she yelled, opening fire on the soldiers, emptying her berretta's into them before being overwhelmed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue flew thru the hole in the fence Remy had so kindly created for them. The whole base was alerted to their presence now so stealth wasn't an issue. They were making good time, running thru the woods behind the base and back to their bikes. Rogue couldn't even make out the others as she flew high above the ground, managing to keep clear of the lights that were sweeping the air above her as she watched for any sign that the others were captured.
She landed gracefully next to the bikes, Remy, Tony, Eric & Sakura emerging from the trees seconds after her.
"Where's Maddie?" Rogue asked looking around as they all paused to catch their breaths.
"She was right behind us," Tony panted, looking up and back at the wooded area they'd just come out of, expecting to see her walk confidently out of the woods, laughing at the fun they'd just had. "Where the fuck is she?" he bellowed heading back towards the base, only to have Eric block his path.
"Not wise my friend," the taller man stated, stopping Tony.
"That place is swarming with soldiers by now," Sakura stepped up next to him. "Let's just give her a minute."
"And if she's not here?" Tony growled over at her.
"Then they've got her," Sakura stated simply. "And we bomb the hell out of that place and get her out."
"Dat be wise?" Remy asked shuffling his cards. "Remy be thinkin' dat if y' bomb de place and she die too non?"
"Will you shut the fuck up already?" Sakura bellowed, tuning to face Remy, her eyes glowing with anger. "You're not in charge here! I am! And will you cool it with that first person shit? It bugs the hell out of me."
"Easy babe," Eric said softly as he placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed the top of her head, running his hands down her arms and pulled her close.
It had been over three minutes and Madison still hadn't returned. "Alright, we just have to figure out what we're going to do," Sakura said, leaning back against him, putting her hands to the sides of her head, pushing at her hair. "We've got the information, but she's got the virus on her."
"Will they be able to figure out what we were doing there then?" Tony asked, leaning against his bike, frustration clear on his face.
"No, she put it in her corset. Only we know how to retrieve it or even find the damn thing from there," Sakura replied pushing off of Eric to pace. Five minutes now and still no Madison. "We've just got to get in there and get her out."
"No," Rogue said quietly, taking a step forward.
"What the fuck did you say?" Sakura asked looking at her deadly.
"It's a stupid plan, even by Madison's standards. We go in there now we're as good as dead, or worse, captured," Rogue replied, crossing her arms over her chest. "They're an army. And ta fight an army, we'll need an army."
"Well where do you suppose we find an army?" Eric asked, putting a comforting hand on Sakura's shoulder again, pulling her too him and wrapping her in a hug, offering his support.
Rogue looked at Remy, who nodded slowly. "Ah know an army," she said turning back to her friends. "And they even have some ex military of there own."
Sakura, Eric and Tony all looked at each other a minute, silently communicating before Sakura turned back to Rogue. "Alright, Tony hide her bike. And Rogue, lead the way."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Madison hung limply in the center of the large circular room located miles below the military base. Her hands were bound tightly above her head, her right shoulder bleeding slowly from the bullet wound she'd received earlier. She surveyed her surroundings taking in the high walls, lined high above her head, with glass cages, each one containing a different person, ranging from all ages and races all beaten and malnourished. From what Madison could figure, judging simply by some of the prisoners more physical abnormalities, they were all mutants. And her stomach turned at the realization.
They had stripped her of her jacket and she felt naked hanging in the middle of the room. They'd also taken her barrette's and the few knives they'd been able to find. She smirked internally, remembering all the ones they couldn't find, two of which were just inches away from her itching hands.
"They left you y'know?' the interrogator paced before her. He stood at least 6'4", broad shouldered and a grim expression on his face. His name tag read Budry, and judging by the birds on the collar of his green and black camies, he was a Colonel. "Now tell me, did you honestly think they wouldn't?" he was trying to elicit a reaction from her, any kind of reaction, yet Madison was clearly disappointing him.
She stared straight ahead, her face devoid of emotion, her crystal blue eyes cold as ice as she watched the man. He stopped before her, his face inches from her own, onion on his breath. "WHAT WERE YOU DOING HERE? He bellowed. "WHAT DID YOU TAKE FROM THAT LAB?"
She glared at him, her lips in a tight line. 'Maybe you should do a better search next time,' she mocked him internally, the vial still concealed in the invisible pocket between her breasts. The pocket was designed so that no one would be able to find it unless they were looking for it. All of their uniforms had them, in case something like this ever happened. Then they could always come back and retrieve their prize, even if nothing was left but a body.
He took a step back and delivered a powerful backhand to her face, sending her head jerking to the left, pain surging thru her face and shoulder. "You WILL answer me," he stated glaring at her.
Madison looked back at him, defiance in her eyes. Suddenly a voice erupted in her mind. 'Stay strong young one,' her eyes looked past him and at an elderly woman, leaning against one of the upper level cells, her hand pressed against the glass, her dark skin hanging off her bones, and a strong look in her own eyes. 'Don't give in to him.'
'Never,' Madison thought back, letting her glare meet Budry's eyes. Blood trailed down from her bottom lip as a smirk appeared on her face. "Do you love my insides?" she asked, an insane lilt in her voice. "The parts you can't see?" (AN: Not mine, although it is one of my favorites. Drusilla says it in BTVS.)
"What the fuck does that mean?" he growled at her, his face turning a bright red as anger flooded his features.
"Esso mezzi, non sto dicendovi la merda," she replied in fluid Italian, her voice deadly and even. (Translation: It Means, I'm not telling you shit. AN: their name is Italian as well.)
He glared at her before slapping her once more for good measure. "Take her to the doctor. Let's see what her power is and if we can loosen her tongue a bit."
Authors Note: And here's another chapter. Hope to get the other up soon, but no promises once again. I won't have another day off from class in awhile. Thanks to all those who reviewed and hope you enjoyed.