Calandra: Hey, I am the QUEEN of cliffhangers! XD I'm sure you know that after reading all these stories =P They are my power!! o.O; ..anyway.. The expression, "Stand here like lemons," or "standing around like a lemon," is something used in England (could be other countries too, but I think t originates from England.). I believe it to mean to stand there being useless or standing there for no apparent reason. A friend of mine uses it regularly, such as, "Instead of standing here like lemons, let's go!" or "Why are we standing around like lemons?" How was that lovely insight? :D And you shall indeed find out, what caused Roxanne to shout out "James!"
Blix: Yes, she does know. Don't forget they do have a past together, you all know that much. I'm sure Logan will realise she is not glaring evilly at him anymore XD
Angelica: Yes, I really do like Gambit. For some reason I've moulded this personality for him that to me seems to suit him so perfectly. I'm not sure how similar it is or different to the comic's Gambit though. Gambit tends to be one that will talk his way out of a fight, but then again, this is humans, not mutants. He probably doesn't fear his life as much! With Roxanne's mutation, she can't sense everyone. They have to be within a certain radius. Like that of sonar on a boat (or the Blackbird in X2!) she can sense beings and charged objects (moving).
Chapter 31"James!"
The powerful run Logan had planned to perform what cut short by a stagger and a frozen halt. His limbs relaxed to regain a standing position, but his head remained facing straight ahead as his mind began working heavily. His eyes darted around in a panic, frown appearing before his eyes narrowed slightly in thought. Why had Roxanne shouted that out? Was she back to normal? She had spoken with compassion. His head spun round suddenly when he felt something brush his arm. It was her, trying to get him to face her. Logan did indeed turn, but watched her with a stunned expression.
"Don't leave me here," she said quietly, looking firmly at him.
But Logan only had one burning question that he wanted answering, "Why did you say 'James'?"
Roxanne raised a brow for a moment, lips taking on a slight smirk, "Don't be silly," But her expression hardened again, "First, we need to get out of here." Logan had remained glaring at her with utter mystification under his lowered brow. "James?" she repeated the name again.
Logan shook her hand from his arm in a panic, "Stop calling me that! I'm not James!" he cried, his eyes still fixed on her with fright.
Just then, an alarm sounded from the ceiling, wailing and screeching its siren throughout the building. Instantly both Logan and Roxanne spun their heads in an alarmed manner. Roxanne's eyes had widened with horror. She remembered it.. She'd heard it before... when she was trying to escape the first time. It was the signal for guards. Logan's eyes darted back to Roxanne, ignoring the earlier dilemma and concentrating on the next predicament. His hand took hers and he started off in a run, leading her with him until he assumed she had got the idea, and allowed her palm to drop free, his fists clenched as he ran on, Roxanne lagging somewhat, but remaining close.
The run of the X-Men had been cut short as the alarm blasted into their ears. Their reaction was similar to Logan and Roxanne's – looking around with panic. Aurora however narrowed her eyes a moment; head turning to hear a large crowd of footsteps closing in on them. They were now so close that all the normal ears picked it up too. And it didn't sound good.
"Back the way we came!" cried Scott, turning and running back down the empty corridor that was free of any oncoming enemies. Above their head, the alarm continued to whine, but now a voice broke in from overhead speakers,
"Mutants have entered the base."
That couldn't have been good, they obviously weren't wanted. Scott continued to lead them out; the X-Men knew they couldn't get involved. Things were different now. The Government could so easily slap them into chains if their law passed; it was a fine thread waiting to break. Another mutant attack could do just that and ruin their chances of any so-called normal life.
But the gun-wielding soldiers of the government soon pursued the X-Men's run to safety. Scott raged on even faster with desperation, the team behind following with the same need. The door of the X-Men's entry was coming into view, they needed to reach it and get out. But now there were being chased, they had been spotted. The least they needed to do now was get out without retaliating. As Gambit was running, he glanced over to his sister, who was glaring ahead with determination to keep on going with the rest of them, all of them shared that expression - all but him. For he couldn't see why they were running. Running from an attacker? That wasn't what the X-Men were supposed to do! Gambit's lips spread to a wily smirk and he silently raised a playing card out of his sleeve, it burst alive with a glowing light and he tossed it elegantly over a shoulder. It flew neatly down to the oncoming groups, landing on the tiles patiently.
Siren caught his actions and glanced to him a moment, "What is you doing?" she asked softly with a slight frown. Gambit shook his head, pressing a finger to lips as he ran alongside her. Siren looked from him with a sigh, he was always secretive. But the secret was soon to be revealed. As the guards came running behind at full pelt, the card began to burn slowly, by the time a foot pressed upon it uncaringly to run on by, the card exploded and sent the entire force of soldiers down to the floor in cries of shock and pain. "Remy!" Siren cried as her head whipped round at the blast, "No!"
All heads turned round in horror to see the smoke filling the distant corridor, "Gambit!" cried Scott, "We're not supposed to attack!" The X-Men were now slowing as they reached the door; all of them were looking at Gambit. "The whole point of us running was so we didn't attack!" bellowed Scott, now stationary, "Do you realise what you have done!"
Gambit blew a sigh through his lips, rolling his eyes and tossing his head flippantly, "Ah, shush," He muttered, "Ya brought Gambit along, did ya not think he'd want ta play?" He rose his staff in indication before placing a hand to his hip and smirking at them.
"Look, let's just get out of her before they get any evidence," muttered Scott bitterly as he turned from Gambit and dragged the ruined door open.
But then Siren stepped forth, resting an hand on Scott's arm, "But Scott, what about Logan?" she asked softly.
Scott looked down to her, "Adrienne.. "he sighed, "You know we can't go running back in there. He'll make his way out."
"Scott, you know how weak he is.. at this rate he'll never make it out alive, especially if he tries fighting," Storm then said, turning her eyes upon him, "But I agree.. we are endangering mutants too much by going back in.."
Just then, a loud roar screamed furiously through the building, the very walls shuddering in their spots. Scott's eyes widened and he spun to look down to corridor they had just came, "Oh God. What's he doing?" Scott then stared at Siren ran past him, "Where are you going?"
"We can't leave him Scott, isn't this what a team is all about. Helping each other?" asked Siren.
Scott nodded his head slowly, his eyes looking down, "It is.. you're right." He sighed, shutting the door, their only exit.
"Come on," said Siren, taking his hand and running on ahead, leading him along.
Gambit's eyes narrowed, the others around him fading as they all disappeared ahead to follow Scott and Siren. Gambit remained stood by the door, his arms folded and his eyes specifically watching the hand that took Scott's, "What are you doing, girl?" he asked under his breath.
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