Da tru count: Hey! I just noticed your pm from the Gambit Guild. I know you wrote it a week ago but I thought I'd reply at least. Why don't you review on ?? It'll mean a whole bunch to me. And no, not corny at all. Funny thing is, I saw your name and thought it was the subject title and then thought you were referring to Count Velkonnen in this story and...heh, it was all sorts of confusing. Keep reading and review!Epona04: one of the best? You're my favorite person for the day. Good that you love reading it because I love writing it! Hawkgal: I have to wonder how you knew! So intuitive I guess. Ah, don't worry, Sabertooth isn't going to the school. I was going to write that in just to have a little more angst but then I decided it'd be too much and I didn't care much for the feline anyway. I have no idea what Storm's religion is. But she always refers to a goddess in comic books and stuff so, eh. Ninjamonkey: your absolute favorite? You're also my favorite person for the day. Sweety8587: oh, my sweet sweet 8587! As usually your reviews give me the smileys. And loving the review-while-you-read thing. Very effective with getting a point across. Yes, Annabel is the daughter of Wraith--shocking, ain't it? If you think this is good, you'll absolutely love the upcoming angst. Rogue07: I do not believe I've seen you here before, good! Always nice to have new reviewers! Hope you keep loving this story, I think it's just getting better. Zen Master White Dragon: Moaning Myrtle? Hahaha, I got a kick out of that my Zen friend. Uncouth indeed, but Annabel is a bitter girl after all she's been through, I would be especially pissed off and ornery if I was her. As for my dedication, I just have this undying urge to get this story written and shared--it's like an ansty need. Very uncanny. And Sabertooth, we'll, he's just...Sabertooth. Grizzly does kind of fit him better--he isn't graceful enough to live up to his title, but he LOOks like the name--make sense? OC Lin, what's that? Supernatural stuff is hard to pin, this is kinda half-way inbetween...sort of... Good point with the Remy not owing them anything--didn't think of the saving his life part. I'm going back to my already-written chapters to edit, thanks for the alert! I thought I caught all little nitches and strings to tie em up as the story goes on--alas, can't be perfect. I'm original! Yay! I was afraid this would end up like all the other hokey fanfics that got on my nerves. Maybe my overly critical viewpoint has done some good, hmm? High expectations for myself produce good results! Freak87: Is 87 a fav number among ppl? I see it pop up a lot in pennames. I use it cuz I was born in that year. Hmm, curious. Anyway, poor Annabel and her messed up head. She's angry, sick, sad, and every little nasty feeling you can think of. Prof in the wheelchair, still funny ha a ha.... If you DO get news of the Xmen DVDs, let me know--I'm really curious about the later seasons of the '90s version. And oh, I know! The old animations are so weird looking--makes you wonder what they were thinking! I crack up when I see it too. Silky black: Patricia had Annabel some years before she died (which was probably when she was in her late thirties or forties--too lazy to do the math right now--old huh?) But you'll find out all those little facts in later chapters. I think I've been careful in including the necessary information for better undestanding of this oh-so complex tale. So Annabel is around 17. Yeah, the whole mindscape idea is very abstract. I don't bother with explaining it because people can make up their own explanations. I like Pyro too--do you know why he's called Saint John? Speaking of jeans, I need to go shopping for school clothes--but I'm going to wait until the associate sale at JCPenney (where I work) bc then I get can 35% off everything!! God, I love clothes. I don't feel right unless I'm wearing something that looks good. Just me: wasn't the daughter thing a nice twist? You were all led to believing one thing but then it was really another--makes me wish I was a reader instead of the writer because I love those kinds of surprises. And Rogue's reaction will be less than happy bc, well, you'll see here. Ishandahalf: If you or Seven Sunningdale don't update soon, I'll faint. Seven said she's update in less than a week, so you have also have a deadline, Ish!! You guessed it huh? There was one other reader who guessed it was her daughter, Hawkgal's intuition was frightening. You should feel sorry Annabel, I do. She's a heartbreaking one and you'll see why later. Remy preaching, after all he's done, ha. Pixie stix addict: Scott and Emma for 4 kids--HAH! What, are they all little blond bimbos like Frost? Ghostie and Remy having kids---hahahaha, wouldn't that be interesting--but no, too much. Can't do that to poor Rogue especailly after what's going to happen in this chapter and the next and the next...ooh...sorry! I keep getting tempted for spoilers! Must stop. WerewolfLass: I'm fidgeting, need to type more chapters... PomegranateQueen: Marvel has way too many titles and things are so complicating! And more's comin'. Roguey: Oh, it was confusing at first? Hmm...but you get it now so that's good. Don't forget to come back and read the next chapter. Yersi Fanel: Thank you! I try not to trap myself in a corner plot-wise. It's a little difficult to remember all the little details because sometimes I later I forget things or contradict myself--then I have to go back and change it and uugghh..but it's worth it yes? Princess: Glad you like it so much. I hope this update wasn't too tardy. I've gotten lots of exclaimations, but I don't think I've seen any "omg"s. Haha. Enchanted light: short and sweet as usual, thank you fudgebrowne: everybody is loving this! I'm so happy that this is such a hit. And there's more suspense coming up--I can't help the cliffhanger chapters skyangle2004: A new reviewer, cool. Don't worry over the X-Men too much. If the story ended with a sad ending lots of ppl would be peeved, and so would I--but since I call the shots here...oh, the control if gratifying. Blackrougefillie: Your favorite of all time? Wow! You're also my new favorite person for a day. Yes the SLX update was a little bit overdue, but I got so sidetracked with Rogue and Gambit that the subplot hardly had place in my mind. Oh, well, on with the love. Edit faster? Hahaha, compared to the other writers I'm like Pietro. Kendokao: see? I said all the loose strings would eventually tie up. :P CatStar14: You're about the #th (can't recall the exact number) reviewer who's said I write well, but it's still as gratifying every time. I swear I'll never get sick of hearing it. Hopefully all this brain activity will help me ace my SATIIs! I think you're going to keep loving this bc...ooh, can't spoil my own plot! Totally Obsessed 47: yay, you're back--what a treat. If I got to read 3 chapters straight of updates I've been waiting for...how convienent. Has it already been a week? Oh, God school stars in like ten days or something--shoot me now. Hope this update wasn't too especiallly tardy. Anda: Genius--Gold, somehow those two are related but I can't remember how, lol. It's unbelievable too? I'm going to make it even more unbelievable just for you!
Okay so maybe I shouldn't be writing such long review replies because it takes up soooo much space on the screen, but it's like a must. And don't you guys like having a reply?
Here is the next chapter! I know this got up later than I usually update but--hey--compared to other writers out there I'm like a speed demon. I just realized school will be starting and I'm going to be a lot busier, so just as a pre-warning, updates MIGHT be just a LITTLE bit slower, but I will not keep you waiting too long.
And hmm...anything else I need to add...nope.
Jean clamped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide and watery. She struggled to choke back the sobs, shaking her head violently.
Rogue stared, completely still. She heard the redhead's fight for breath but couldn't quite register the action. Was this real? Was this truly happening? She seemed to ask herself that a lot these days. She shook her head, the psyches boiling in her mind, panicked. They had been screaming moments before, and that was how she had known to come, but now she only felt their fear, their sickenly horrible dread.
She teases us, they whispered, and you don't know because we aren't you.
She comes, all the time she comes...
We'll be taken--don't let her take us...
The tension of the last few days was finally beginning to be too much for Jean. She had been bottling it all up, distracting herself, telling herself to have hope and that things would work out. But now her hope was cracked; she was pushed to the edge with the final blow. She allowed herself to fall to the floor, hands covering her pretty face, and wept.
Kurt lay in his bedroom, half on the bed, half on the floor. His head rested against the side of his mattress and his mouth sat agap. He breathed shallowly. His panicked cries from moments earlier were gone, leaving a silent room thick with trepidation. So unexpected, so sudden. They had not anticipated another attack so soon. Not so soon...
Rogue bit back the urge to scream. Her eyes flashed to Jean, to Kurt, back to Jean. She couldn't think. What were they supposed to do with him now? Think, think... Oh, yes. She bent down and hefted Kurt's lean frame into her arms. She began dragging him by herself towards the door, blinking back tears. This couldn't be happening. Her brother was taken...Her brother. The only one who seemed confident they would make it through this.
Her strength faltered and her grip loosened. She stumbled in the hall and fell with Kurt in her arms. Her skin brushed against his but she didn't absorb him. Of course not. There was nothing there to absorb.
Jean was there the next moment, helping her up. Then they both carried Kurt down to the Infirmary. The two young women stood back, gazing at their comatose friends. Neither knew how long they lingered.
Rogue was disgusted with the world. She had been through so much already--why did this have to happen? Why her friends? She didn't care if her thoughts were selfish, unable to differentiate between her own or that of the frenzied psyches. She collapsed at Kurt's beside and buried her face in the bleached sheets. Numbness took over and she couldn't stand being there anymore. She shook her head, feeling the anger, frustration, and fear of hundreds of different personalities. What did she feel? What were her thoughts on the matter?
"Rogue?" Jean said. She sniffed and wiped at her face. "We have to--we have..." She took a breath, stifling the sobs. "Maybe we should call for help--"
Help? Who was there to call for help? The Professor, Logan, and Storm were gone, lost to them with fates unknown. Who else did they have? Rogue stood suddenly and ran out of the Infirmary. She needed to get away. She just needed to get away.
Blowing up the front gate probably wasn't the best of ideas, but he was low on patience. He sped up the long driveway to the Institute, charging cards and tossing them at the various laser cannons emerging from the ground.
Dis is too much action fo' a summer afternoon, he thought bitterly.
When he circled the roundabout and screeched to a stop, the mansion's defense systems had been shut off, much to his surprise. He leapt out of the van and pulled open the doors. Piotr had sprawled onto the floor with John in a twisted position upon the seats. Remy reminded himself to apologize for their bruises later. He was hefting John out when the front doors of the mansion swung open. He had dreaded this moment.
But it was Jean. She stood, tear-streaked face gaping in shock. "You left!" She pointed an accusing finger at him. "You jerk! After how much we helped you... I should have just let those guns blow you up--" She stopped, seeing Pyro's motionless form.
"Kinda need a lil' help," Remy said. "It got dem, too."
The redhead suddenly looked very, very tired. She wiped her face with the back of her hand and came down the steps. Remy carried Pyro while Jean telekinetically lifted Piotr. As they worked to get the two situated in the Infirmary, Remy noticed the furry blue kid lying on a cot. He instinctively wondered where Rogue was.
Jean noticed the expression on his face, or sensed his worry with her powers. As she pulled a blanket over Piotr's chest she said, "We heard Kurt yelling from his room. When we got there he was...uh..." Her voice cracked and tears welled in her eyes.
Remy frowned apprehensively. Annabel was still doing it, still absorbing people. He put a hand on Jean's shoulder and was surprised when she turned to him, burying her face in his chest. He froze, unsure how to react.
"I miss Scott!" Jean cried, clinging to the folds of his jacket. "He'd know what to do right now. But he--he's dying, Gambit! Every day he's getting weaker and I--I can't do anything to help him!" Her sobs were heartbreaking.
Remy patted her back. She was shivering under her blouse. "It'll be all right, cherie," he said soothingly, "you'll see." He didn't have time for this. He had somewhere to be. The longer he tarried the worse their problems would get.
Something shifted at the doorway. He looked up and froze, a deep sinking feeling in his stomach.
Rogue stared at the scene, the barest trace of distress washing over her features. It was quickly replaced by a mask of indifference. Remy saw past it, saw her true thoughts behind those expressive eyes. Then he realized he was still holding Jean.
"Well, can't say Ah expected this," Rogue said. Her gaze flicked from Colossus to Pyro and back to the hugging couple.
He did not like her toneless words.
Jean lifted her head and Remy quickly stepped away from her. She wiped her eyes and sniffed, oblivious to the sudden tension. "Rogue? Where did you go? You just ran off and..." She shook her head and massaged her temples. "I need some aspirin." She wandered into the next room, fumbling around the cabinets.
Remy looked at Rogue, trying to read her expression. "Chere--"
She turned abruptly and walked out of the Infirmary.
Remy groaned in exasperation, running both hands through his hair. Why did everything have to be so difficult? He should just leave and deal with this later. Some things were just bigger than, more important than...
Dan what, LeBeau? he asked himself, unwilling to answer.
"Damn it," he huffed and ran after her.
She was a fast walker, having already made it up the main staircase by the time he reached her.
"Rogue!" he called. She ignored him. Frowning, he scaled the steps deftly and grabbed her arm as she reached the landing. "Wasn't what it looked like."
"Sure it was," she said, twisting out of his hold. "Whenever a gal's in distress, Remy LeBeau is always there for comfort. Isn't that right?"
He stared at her, unsure of what to say. He took a breath, "Dat may've been true b'fore, chere, but..." His voice trailed away and he looked at her expectant face. Merde, why couldn't he find the words?
Rogue drew in a sharp breath and crossed her arms, "All the nerve you've got coming back here. In too much of a hurry to even leave a damn note?"
What reason did she have to be angry? Remy bristled, his confusion becoming more and more frustrating. "Should I have?" he demanded. "Do of any of you X-Men care where I go?" He waited in suffocating unease for her answer.
She didn't seem to be expecting his outburst, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "Ah guess ya aren't one of us. You can go and do whatever, whenever... You have no obligation towards us...." She looked at the floor.
Remy stared at her hard. He wanted her to give him something, anything to work with, but she remained passive and apathetic. Maybe it was just a lost cause, a hope that never should have been.
"Not like there's anything keeping you here anyway," Rogue said softly, her resolve beginning to fall. Then she gasped quietly. A hand went to her temple and she winced, swaying slightly.
"Rogue..." Remy reached for her but she recoiled.
"Don't touch me," she hissed, stepping backwards. "Ah'm not going to be played by you, not again."
Remy did not want to admit how much her words stung. Did she really think he was playing her? Didn't she know he would never do that again?
She squeezed her eyes shut as the pain increased. The psyches were bothering her. "None of this means anything to you--not that day Ah was sick, not the dinner, not the roof--nothing in the whole time you've been here..." She leaned against the wall, fingers clutching her head. "Ya don't care--ya never do."
Remy watched her, not knowing what to say. What did he want to say? Somehow his thoughts wouldn't come together right. The only functional system in his body was feeding him feelings of self-disgust and guilt. He just wanted to hold her, keep her from falling, but he stood rooted to the spot. He could only stare at her in tremendous confusion. Then his next words were out before he realized it, "I don' have time fo' dis, Rogue. I have t'go see Theodore Farrat." He wanted to kick himself for saying it that way, for completely disregarding what she had just confessed.
Rogue stared at him blankly for a moment. "Who?"
"De man I was doin' a job for, when I got beaten up dat night an' came here," Remy explained. "I t'ink he's connected to all dis."
"Why?"
"'Cause de girl mentioned him, de ghost, de one who's been attacking mutants."
Rogue blinked several times, trying to make sense of what he was saying.
"She ain't de heartless murderer everybody t'inks," Remy continued. "De girl's scared an' angry 'cause somethin' happened t'her an' she can't get away from it. I t'ink Farrat's doin' somethin' t'her."
"So she just decides to suck the life outta all my friends," Rogue said coldly. "Oh, yeah, a real pity case."
Remy frowned at her, "Y'don' know, chere. Y'don' know what she's been through, what it's like t'live like she has to."
"Ah think Ah have an idea," Rogue said in a forlorn tone.
Remy winced. How could he be so thoughtless? Rogue's powers were similar to Anabelle's. He shook his head, combed his fingers through his hair. He wondered how many more times he could make himself look like an inconsiderate jerk. Maybe that was the problem--maybe he just was an inconsiderate jerk. "Look, I got t'do dis. She needs m'help."
Rogue closed her eyes and turned away, "Of course she does."
"Rogue..."
She continued walking calmly down the hall and Remy didn't stop her. He had lingered too long already. Sparing one more glance in Rogue's direction, he turned and hurried down the stairs. The front door opened and closed.
Rogue stopped and slowly turned around. She looked at the floor. He was gone again.
End Note: It wasn't overly explained how Rogue's psyches know when Annabel is around. I don't think I get to it much, maybe I'll make a note of it in the later chapters--but basically they know because she pokes around with them. Annabel teases them inside Rogue's mind and since she's a telepath, can do so without Rogue knowing, because the psyches are separate entities from her. Annabel is simply fascinated by Rogue and their similar mutations. Make sense? Hmm...this was a little iffy but I'll see how it works.