Hi guys and gals! Terribly sorry for the delay again, but the Easter holidays threw my schedule out of whack! I'll try and make it up by having the next chapter ready by next week! Anyways. Logan is back! Is that good or bad? Only time will tell. Plus I've changed one major aspect of Remy's power, just because I think it's cooler this way. He can also charge living tissue not just inanimate objects. So practically he can charge anything he wants. So on with the show! (As my 'friend' Freddy would say! :) )

Tayrion

The Price of Gambits

The X-Men picked a wide area near a field, in the outer parts of N. Orleans to land the Blackbird. They put the cloaking mechanism, so that it would become invisible to the naked eye, and got ready to begin their investigation to find Logan.

"Ok… We'll split up in two groups to cover both the possible places the Professor told me about. The first group will investigate the French quarter and the other will investigate an abandoned warehouse not far from here. The Professor picked up possible mutant signatures in both these places." Said Scott, and then taking on a more authoritative tone began breaking down the teams. "The first team will be Ororo, Kurt and Remy and the second one will be Bobby, Rogue and myself. After…" Remy interrupted him almost immediately.

"Dat ain't gonna happen homme." He said with a very casual tone in his voice.

"Excuse me?" Answered Scott obviously annoyed by Remy. All the others also turned to Remy surprised by what he said.

"You heard me loud and clear mon générale." Said Remy with a playful smile on his face.

"And what exactly do you mean with that Remy?" asked Scott who was trying really hard to control himself.

"Don't play dumb wit me Scotty. You know damn well what I mean." Said Remy, his smile never leaving his face.

Ororo, Bobby and Kurt who realized what all that was about fleetingly looked at Rogue who started feeling very awkward with the situation. Scott on the other hand never turned his blazing eyes from Remy.

He walked to Remy and signaled him to follow, as he distanced himself from the rest of the group to talk privately.

When they were away so that no one would hear Scott spoke up. "You saw that I tried to remain calm with your attitude back there, but I don't want you to behave like that again. We're a team and whether you like it or not, some decisions must be taken by a leader. I understand that you want to be with Rogue, but that is exactly why I don't want you with her. I fear that in a critical moment you might turn out to be a liability rather than help the team. So why don't you start showing that you can be a team player by accepting what I told you." While Scott was speaking the smile on Remy's face never left his lips.

"First of all, I never said I was a team player. I mostly work solo. And secondly and most importantly, you can talk and talk to your heart's content, but I still be going where Rogue goes. No two ways about it I'm afraid mon ami." As he finished what he was saying, Remy flashed Scott with a wide smile.

Scott remained thoughtful. He realized now that there was no way of convincing Remy, so he decided to let it pass not wanting to cause a rift in the team before they even begun their search for Logan. One thing he was certain of though. Remy would hear about this when they returned to the mansion.

"Fine! You're coming with me and Rogue." With that he turned and started walking back to their teammates with Remy walking behind him smiling. 

"Bobby you're going with Ororo and Kurt. Ororo I notified the professor and he will use cerebro to keep us telepathically linked with him. You know where you're going right?" said Scott.

"Yes Scott, the Professor filled me in." answered Ororo.

"Ok then. Good luck and be careful." Said Scott and with that the 2 teams went to their separate objectives.

As Scott's team was on their way to their destination, Scott was walking in front of Remy and Rogue who kept some distance from their leader to be able to talk privately.

"Was all that really necessary?" asked Rogue, who was a bit uncomfortable with the way Remy acted just before.

"Well Cherie… I promised you dat I be looking out for you. I couldn't do dat if I gone wit Storm and I didn't want to start our relat… our friendship by breaking a promise to you." Said Remy smiling widely at Rogue.

"Don't worry Cajun, I'm not holding you to your promise." Said Rogue trying to sound indifferent.

"Once a Cajun makes a promise chère, dere be no turning back for him. Promises be very sacred to me. Besides I'm not doing dis just for you. I'm doing dis for me as well. If something were to happen to you chère, I don't know what I'd do!"

"Stop teasing me Remy! It's not that amusing anymore. We're in the middle of a mission if you haven't noticed!" said Rogue mildly upset.

"I'm not teasing you chérie. I'm as serious as I can be. But you're right. Dis not be de time for dis conversation, and I don't want to pressure you more. So from now on I'll shut up… at least I'll try… I mean you never know when I be needing to talk… you know…"

Rogue chuckled lightly but very genuinely. "You really can't keep quiet can you?"

"Rogue, Remy! Try to keep up and keep quiet! We're approaching the warehouse." Said Scott with an authoritative voice, which caused Remy to respond with a soldierly salute and a 'yes sir'. Rogue smiled to herself but Scott stiffened. Once again though he let it pass.

After a few minutes, they saw the warehouse they were looking for. It was in a somewhat industrial area, with other warehouses around it, also seemingly abandoned.

Scott decided that they would approach the warehouse from the front. Remy suggested though that he should try and get in from the back of the building. "I have come to dis place in de past. We used to play cops and thieves with my friends here all de time." He said with a smile. Rogue, catching the innuendo, tried hard to stifle a laugh that threatened to come out. Remy turned to her and winked sporting a wide smile on his face.

"I don't think that's such a good idea Remy. The Professor tells me that he has trouble getting into your mind, so if you go alone there you will be cut off from the rest of us. If something goes wrong for you we will not be able to help you." Said Scott.

"I'm very touched by your concern Scotty, but you needn't worry about me. I know dis place like de back of my hand and I know places around it like no one else does." Answered Remy very confidently.

At that point the Professor, who through Scott was hearing what was going on, suggested to Scott a different approach on Remy. "Yes Remy but what if something happens to us and we need your help? What then?" Said Scott trying to hit Remy in his weak spot; his concern for Rogue's safety.

Remy chuckled, sensing what Scott was trying to do. "Sneaky Scott. Dat be really sneaky. But trust me, dat's exactly why I will serve you better if I go dat way. I will make sure dat no surprises take place. And don't you worry. De warehouse is not dat big. Once inside, I'll be able to see you and interfere if de need arises. …Don't you worry… Professor." Concluded Remy with a playful smile.

In the end Scott agreed to Remy's suggestion.

As Remy made his way through the back of the warehouse and tried to find a small opening in the warehouse's outer wall that he knew about, Scott and Rogue approached the large door that was the main entrance to this large building. Before they entered Scott turned to Rogue.

"Rogue if it is the same guy who attacked us before, I think it is safe to assume that he has some information about us. The way he attacked us and tried to take us out, suggests that he might know what each of us does. So I think that you should try and absorb some of my power."

Rogue frowned when she heard Scott's suggestion. "Uh… I… I'm not so sure Scott. I... I might hurt you."

"Rogue… I trust you. I know you did it before when you thought it was necessary. I believe you can do it again and not hurt me. Touch me lightly and break it off if you feel it's enough. We must do this Rogue. It will give you an advantage in the case he is expecting us and we walk into a trap. We will walk in, you will stand really close to me and if we're attacked touch my hand. Ok?"

"…Ok." Said Rogue not sounding too sure.

"Rogue this is very important. I need you to not hesitate. Can I count on you?" said Scott softly.

"Yes. I will do it if we're attacked." Said rogue now sounding more confident.

Scott smiled and walked ahead of her to open the door. Readying himself for any event, he opened the large door and walked in with Rogue just behind him.

"You're right on time Scott." A voice was heard in the dark warehouse. Scott could not tell where it was coming from because of the echo in that closed space. It was quite dark and he could not see all the way to the back of the warehouse. But in the center of the warehouse lay a chained up Logan, who was very still. The smell was pretty intense in there because of the humidity and the closure.

Rogue seeing Logan lay there cried out. "Logan!" She made to rush forward but Scot stopped her.

"Who are you and what do you want from us?" shouted Scott, who slowly started walking forward.

A loud chuckle was heard. "This is all very sinister wouldn't you say? Me talking to you from the shadows, you demanding to know who I am. Like one of those old classic police thrillers. Anyway… you're here to take Logan are you not? …So… take him. I have no use of him anymore."

Scott kept on walking slowly. Professor… where is Remy? Is there any chance he is behind all of this?

I doubt it Scott, although I can't be sure. Be very careful. This might be a trap. From all we know, he might want you too. Last time he attacked you he seemed to want to take you. Said the Professor in Scott's head.

Scott stopped walking and tried to scan his surroundings. The warehouse had a second floor. He had a gut feeling that the mystery guy might be up there. Professor can you give me a hand here. Can you tell me where he is?

I'm sorry Scott but the only minds I'm picking up in there are Rogue's, Logan's and yours. I can't seem to be able to get a lock into his.

Scott remained thoughtful for a while and then the voice was heard again. "You should take him now Scott, before I change my mind, and then you might never get him back."

He seems eager for me to go to Logan. If he really wants to take me, then maybe I should distract him and head to the second floor and let Rogue go to Logan. Said Scott to the Professor.

I… I'm not sure Scott.

I am. Interjected Rogue in this telepathic conference, between Scott and the professor. The professor had telepathically linked all of them, so rogue could hear what was being said between the two men.

Ok. Scott. Go ahead and do it. I've also informed Ororo's team that Logan is here, so they will shortly arrive there.

Scott started walking towards the ladder that leads to the second floor and Rogue moved closer to Logan.

"Where are you going Scott? Are you coming up here?" said the voice laughing. "Now I'm beginning to wonder. Did you come here for Logan, or did you come here for me?"

Scott was halfway up the stairs, when an invisible force pushed him violently to the wall and sent him tumbling down the stairs. At that moment Rogue, who was now standing in front of Logan, saw a dark tall figure descending slowly towards her from the second floor. She then felt being lifted up in the air, as if an invisible large hand had caught her and lifted her. She felt helpless as she hovered some feet above the ground and now staring into the face of their assailant, who was indeed the same one that attacked them, a few days earlier in the bar in N. Orleans. He was smiling with satisfaction.

"You will do just fine little one. I believe the doctor will be most pleased with me taking such a bold initiative. Yes I believe he will be most pleased with… Aaarggh!!!"

As the assailant screamed in pain, Rogue felt the hold break off and she begun to fall to the ground. Before she hit though she was caught in mid air by Remy who landed confidently and gracefully, and placed her down gently, whispering to her "Go to Scott." Then as quickly as he interfered, he turned towards the assailant and with lightning quick hits, knocked him off his feet before he had a chance to reel from his first attack. Then like a vulture swooping down on his prey, he jumped on top of his fallen opponent and grabbed his throat. Then lowering his head just inches away from the assailant, he whispered to him really menacingly. "Listen up you dumb f**k! You hurt one hair on dat girl again, and I will charge up your head so much dat you will need tweezers to pick up de pieces. Comprends? Dere be no power dat can save you from dat." All the while his hands, that were wrapped around his throat, crackled with energy just enough to make his threat hit home. The assailant was still a bit dazed by Remy's attacks and stared at him with wide eyes, seeming surprised by his presence there. "Now do us all a favor and make yourself scarce, before I decide dat you ain't…" before Remy had a chance to finish what he was saying he was propelled backwards about 20 feet, with such force that he broke two large crates, before he crashed in a pile of wooden empty boxes.

Rogue, standing near Scott who was just beginning to come around, watched horrified as Remy went down and lay there unconscious. "Remy!!!!!!"

The assailant stood up and looked at where Remy had crashed full of hatred. "This is not over Cajun!" With that he turned around and started running towards the back of the warehouse.

Seeing that Rogue flushed with anger. She instinctively touched Scott, and opened her eyes widely looking towards the retreating assailant. A wide energy beam shot from her eyes catching the man on his back and knocking him forward with such force that would have certainly killed many men and mutants alike.

Quickly letting go of Scott, she rushed to Remy's side, as Scott's power faded away. Scott on the other hand, shaking off his dizziness, which was caused by Rogue's power, got up and went to check up on Logan.

As Rogue kneeled down beside Remy, she checked to see if he was breathing. To her relief she realized that he was alive, but he was unconscious and very badly hurt. "Scott! Remy needs medical attention quickly."

Scott approaching Logan realized that he was moving. "Logan, are you alright?" asked Scott as he shot a controlled energy beam to break the chains that were restraining Logan.

Logan slowly stood up. "I'm fine one-eye. But where is that guy? I'd like to have a few words with him."

Both Logan and Scott went to the back of the warehouse to find their assailant, but again found him gone. "He is starting to get on my nerves!" said Scott letting his frustration show. "How the hell are we supposed to find him now? Not even the professor can trace him. He said he has trouble getting a lock in his mind." Logan raised an eyebrow upon hearing that.

"Speaking of which, I have some unfinished business with a certain resident of the mansion. Where is Gambit?" said Logan.

"Who?" asked Scott.

Logan looked at where Rogue was kneeling beside Remy. "Gambit!"

To be continued…

Star-of-Chaos – There's nothing wrong with reading fanfics at 2 in the morning, and I agree with you that it's a good time to write them. Practically all my chapters were written at that hour (That's probably why some aspects of my story are a bit hazy. My mind was hazy by that point! :) )

Ishandahalf – Thanks for the thumbs up once again! :) (To tell you the truth, I would keep on writing this even if it was only you who was reading this. I don't know I've started to feel an obligation to finish this right towards you :) ) And as you saw you were right about Remy saving Rogue, but look where that got him!

Icewolfdemon – I realized one of your two wishes. (Hey that's not too bad is it?) I continued the story but not that soon. Sorry about that. Hope you stick around to see how it will all pan out.

4Rogue – For me the movie Storm was just not that well developed, but I wouldn't not call her smart! She was a teacher in the movie after all! I'm just trying to show some more sides of her even though unfortunately again she is not the center of my story.

Chronicles Bailey – Well you did comment on all of my chapters (with the addition of the 6th one :) ) so I thought you deserved an answer to all of them. Here we go again: - Us Greeks have a habit of having difficult to pronounce and spell names!

- Thanks again!

- If you say so… I guess I'll have to take your word for it! :)

- Thanks for clearing this up… You never know when people get confused with simple comments! :)

- I agree with you completely. It is a very good power to write about. Is it good reading it though? That's a whole different matter.

- Thanks for the addition of chapter 6! I was numerically confused at first. :)

- I'm honored that you think so! Although I'd prefer it if it was more of a 6 a.m. kind of fanfic. :)

- Oh! I know that store! It's run by Mr. Papadopulos! (The most common Greek name) He used to live in my neighborhood.

- Wade IS a very intriguing character! He has such depth and complexity… Nah! He is just plain psychotic! :)

- Logan being lost= not good, Remy and Rogue together= very good, Scott and the Professor together= …just plain weird. Math for the schizophrenic! :)

- *Remy hugs you back* "Thanks Chronicles! I really needed dat!" :)

Next: Logan is going to need some answers. Will Remy be able to give them? Will he be fine after the beating he took this chapter? Will he be able to kill that damned squirrel playing flute outside his window and keeping him awake all night? :) (Sorry about the last one, couldn't control myself!)