Disclaimer: Logan would have been without clothing a lot more than he was if I owned these fine films and characters.
The Girl, the Animal, and the Thief ch. 4
By Threnody
Rogue's heart beat wildly as she watched the men around her. So far they'd left her relatively alone. Other than handcuffing her to the wall. From what she could tell they'd taken her to an old warehouse. She had been in a trunk of a car for the duration of the ride and had no idea where they were. Anger flared inside her, despite her fear. Once again she found herself at the mercy of the "bad guys" as she waited for a rescue. And she knew there'd be one. Last time they'd fought off Magneto and his group to save her. And she was just as useless now as she was then. She shut her eyes tightly and leaned against her wrists. She couldn't let them get hurt. Not because of her again. Logan had almost died last time.
Logan. Her mind returned to the last time they'd talked. Their fight. She moaned quietly. Would he even try to save her? She immediately thought of Remy, and how he had fought to get to her. Logan had said he was trouble, but Rogue knew it wasn't his fault. Would he tell the other X-Men what happened? That she'd been useless in a fight once again.
She tugged on her bonds in frustration. What was the point of it all? If she couldn't even use her powers to fight without fear of going insane then what was the point? She couldn't fight, she couldn't help, couldn't do anything.
Her internal struggle attracted the attention of one of her captors. He sauntered over, a cocky grin plastered on his face. Rogue's blood ran like ice through her. Before they had all been wearing gloves, but once they'd gotten back here they seemed to relax and had removed the gloves. Apparently they were not expecting an attack anytime soon. She hoped they were wrong.
"Now what is it, little girl," he knelt, smile widening as she recoiled from him, "that could have Gambit so interested in you? You're not much to look at. And he's had prettier bitches than you."
Rogue frowned and was glad the duct tape was still over her mouth or she might've said something she'd regret.
"Ah, so at least you've got a little spirit. That'll make it more fun when you break."
Rogue's eyes widened and the man laughed, reaching for her face with a bare hand. She panicked and desperately tried to move away, but chained to the wall there wasn't far to go. She squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to watch his life being drained away, but he never reached her. The man grunted as he was kicked roughly to the side. Rogue watched in surprise as he slid a good deal further than he should have. A hand slammed into the wall next to her face, splintering the wood and drawing her attention in front of her.
A woman with startling green eyes had leaned down, with her face inches from Rogue's, her blonde hair hung in ringlets and brushed Rogue's cheeks. She seemed to be studying Rogue, measuring her up. Rogue tried her best to keep the fear out of her eyes. The woman didn't say anything for a moment then stood up, staring down at Rogue. The man who she had just kicked stood and glared at her with a look Rogue more than recognized. The woman was a mutant.
"Y'know," her voice was deep and powerful with an accent similar to Remy's, "I could almost pity you. You've got that wide-eyed innocent look goin' for ya, so that's probably why he chose you to be his patsy."
Rogue frowned at her. She didn't know what the woman was talking about, nor was she inclined to believe whatever she might say. There weren't many factors leaning toward trusting anyone of her captors. But why would she pity Rogue? Why would they need her at all? Seeming to sense her desire to talk the woman leaned down and Rogue winced as she ripped the tape off her mouth.
"Well, you got somethin' to say, girlie? Or where you just gonna sit there, lookin' stupid?"
Rogue frowned again and wiggled her lips slightly, readjusting to the lack of restraint. "Whatever it is, you're not gonna get away with it." Her voice held more confidence than she felt. "My friends'll come after me." And they're not as helpless as I am...
"Oh will they now?" The woman grinned cruelly and kneeled in front of her. "And how will your friends know to find you, if they don't know you're missing? You honestly think that boy will tell them about you? And screw up his chances at a safe haven? You're more gullible than I thought, girl."
Rogue frowned at the woman, obviously confused. "What do you mean? Why wouldn't Remy tell them about me?"
"Maybe you haven't gotten it yet girlie, but your Remy ain't who he plays himself up to be." The woman smirked at her naiveté. "Let me guess how things went. He shows up, charms the pants offa ya, literally, and suddenly he's got himself a nice little group o' people to protect him. Lucky him."
And immediate defense rose to her lips, but faltered as doubt crept in. She hadn't known Remy long. Nor did she know anything about his past. She had trusted Logan, though, and that had been the best thing to happen to her. Rogue raised her eyes defiantly to meet the woman's. "You're wrong. Remy isn't like that. The only reason he needed help was because of you, anyway."
The green eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. "Let me tell you a little story," her voice was nothing but a hiss. "'Bout a girl named Bella Donna. She fell fast and she fell hard over your little Remy. And he gave her every promise she ever wanted, and she gave him everything he asked for. He just used her to get inside our guild. To get what he needed. And the final big job came, and he wasn't there to make good on his word. Poor little Bella Donna was killed 'cause of that scum. And you sit there defending him, after all that he's done. After what he did to my sister."
The woman stood and turned away, tears shining in her eyes. Rogue's mind was reeling. Part of her couldn't accept what the woman had just said, the other reminded her she didn't know Remy at all. But it all clicked in her head. Why else would he be interested in her? He was using her to get the X-Men to help him with his fight. She bit her lip, blinking back the stinging in her eyes. She should have known better than to think he could have been attracted to her. Logan had said he was trouble, and he had been right. Her hope had gotten her in trouble again. She tried not to believe it, but couldn't help it. No one would ever be able to love her. No one could love what they couldn't touch.
"But you don't need to worry about that, girlie." The woman turned back, her eyes cold once again. "After today you won't have to deal with him ever again."
"Why did you take me? Why didn't you just kill him back there? Why are you after him?" She needed to know. The two picture of the man she knew as Remy were causing so much conflict inside her. What could he have done that would have caused so much trouble?
The woman kneeled again, frowning. "He's a Thief. He took something from out guild that he should not have. You ask too many questions."
She slapped the duct tape back over her mouth, leaving Rogue with more questions that ever.
Logan ignored the burning sensation in his clenched jaw. He focused carefully on the IV drip, watching each drop of the clear liquid slide down. It was the only way he could keep himself from killing the little bastard.
They had gathered in sickbay after finding the Cajun. Jean was treating him for "several bruises and laceration." Not nearly as many as Logan would have liked after the kid had told them what happened. He had known this kid was trouble and no one had listened to him. Now Rogue was missing. He wanted blood. It was largely the presence of the Professor and Jean that kept him from drawing said blood.
"Remy." Professor Xavier's voice was soft but forceful. "I understand your desire to keep your past a secret. And I'm not going to ask you to divulge everything. But one of my students is in danger and I need to know why and what we're facing."
He watched the boy struggle with himself and could not prevent the low growl. If the kid didn't answer soon he was going to force it out of him. Jean shot him a warning glance but he didn't care. Every second they sat there Rogue was in greater danger.
"Roun' de part o' New Orlean I come from," his accent grew thick with fatigue, "de're is two guilds. The Thieves an' the Assassins. De guys dat took Rogue are part o' the Assassin guild. They just trying to get at me. Don' have anything to do wit' de chere."
"Why are they after you?" Undisguised hatred filled Logan's voice.
The Cajun frowned, ignoring the large bruise that had formed under his eye. "They think I stole somethin' o' theirs...and killed of o' them."
"Did you?" Logan asked as if the answer should have been obvious.
The boy sighed in defeat and closed his eyes. For a moment Logan was almost inclined to pity him. Despite how he acted towards Rogue, he knew this kid had tried to save her. And he'd had the sense to come back for help. Maybe he really did care about the girl. Maybe that wouldn't change Logan's opinion of him.
"I was set up. Somebody wanted me taken outta de guild. An' did what it took to get me to leave. I was tryin' to get away from all dat when I came here. Shoulda known better."
"What is it you were supposed to have taken?" Jean asked, bandaging a gouge on his arm.
"It don' matter." He sat up, leaning over the table. "All that matters is getting' Rouge outta there before anythin' happens. They don' know about her. De guys today was jus' thugs. They don't like it, but they got mutants on their side. They'll use 'em to get at me."
Logan shoved his bloodlust aside. The kid was right, Rogue was the most important thing at the moment. He could kill the swamp rat later. "Professor, can you find Rogue on your mind thing?"
A smile twinged at the old man's lips. "Cerebro should be able to locate her easily. Most likely they have not gone fare. I'll return in a moment."
"I'll get you something to wear." Jean turned to leave, giving Logan another warning look.
Logan watched the boy for a moment, not once did he meet the man's gaze. "Happy now? Risked an innocent girl's life, got others to fight your battles for ya. Got it all taken care of."
The boy still didn't respond, eyes fixed on the floor. Logan stood and easily covered the distance between them. He stood inches from the boy, watching him carefully. Every muscle in him was tense and the rage coming from him was practically tangible.
"Ain't you gonna fight me, boy?" Logan growled, frowning. The more the way the Cajun acted the more respect he had for him. He had screwed up, and he wasn't going to fight it. Damn.
Logan had been fighting off his own guilt, and had hoped the boy would fight him to alleviate some of that guilt. He was the one who had driven her off. His first thought had been that he should have talked to her somewhere she couldn't have run away. But he knew it wouldn't have changed anything. He was just as guilty as the kid.
"You gonna be a pissant about it, LeBeau?" He barked suddenly and the boy's head snapped up. "Or are you gonna get her back?"
They met each other's gaze, a tacit understanding between them. There would be a truce for now. As long as they had the same thing to fight for, they wouldn't kill each other. The Cajun extended his hand and Logan, a bit begrudgingly, shook it.
"You worth anything in a fight other than getting your ass kicked?" Logan stepped back as the boy stood from the examination table.
He gave the man a wry grin and stretched painfully. "Good enough to out pace you, old timer."
Jean returned looking slightly relieved to find them both in one piece. She handed a suit to LeBeau, glancing him up and down. "Are you sure you're up to going, Remy?"
"Couldn't live with myself if I didn', chere." He took the suit from her, looking more determined than ever.
The Professor reentered, smiling slightly. "I've found her. She's being held in an abandoned warehouse, of all things. Not too far from here." An image of a warehouse and its location suddenly entered Logan's mind. He blinked, a little disconcerted, wondering if he'd ever get used to that. "She's alright for now. Frightened, but no harm done. You must hurry though."
Logan nodded, turning away. He would get her back, safe as she could be. He wasn't going to let anything happen to her. Resolve set it and he was ready to face whatever they had to throw at him.
Remy winced as he pulled on the suit. He raised an eyebrow at the tight fit yet flexibility. It made sense that they'd have the best in "work wear." A determined expression set upon his features as he emerged from the changing room, pulling on his signature coat. In one regard, he was glad the old timer had initiated the temporary truce. It was going to make finding Rogue much easier. On the other hand, working side by side with Wolverine was going to take a good deal of self-restraint. It was worth it. Anything was worth it to get Rogue back.
Jean and Logan approached him, both in similar suits. When he saw Jean, Remy found a new appreciation of the tight suits before returning his thoughts to more pressing matters. The old man's gaze lingered on Jean a little too often for Remy to try anything, anyway. A man's most dangerous when the woman he cares about is in danger.
"It's only going to be us three." Jean glanced at them. "From the looks of it we should be able to handle ourselves fine. The biggest concern is getting Rogue out, unharmed."
Remy nodded, his mind drifting. If he knew the Assassins at all, Victoria would be there. She'd want his blood, but would she want it bad enough to hurt Rogue? There was no telling how she would react to the grief. To losing Bella Donna.
He frowned as they silently made their way to the garage and climbed into a jeep. He didn't like the idea of going up against people he had once considered friends. People he had once fought along side of he was now fighting against. He closed his eyes against the memories. A new card had turned in his life. Friends were now foes. Dwelling on the past would only distract him in battle. He had someone else to fight for now.
He turned his head toward the window, watching the trees pass by. After this fight he'd told himself he would leave. That he'd drag his troubles somewhere else. But something tugged at his mind. He was tired of running, of not having a home. He was weary of having no one to call a family. He envied the X-Men, the way they looked out for each other. And he'd already gotten Rogue and the others mixed up in all this. At the very least he owed them an explanation. Maybe he'd stick around for that.
"We're here." Jean pulled to a stop a few hundred feet away. She closed her eyes, frowning toward the building. "Rogue's fine for now. Most of them seem to be inside."
Logan had already gotten out of the car. A flutter of nervousness spread through Remy's stomach. How much would Victoria have told Rogue? Would she even want to know him after this? He sighed, she probably wouldn't. Add one more to the list of reasons to leave.
They stopped in a group of bushes; a guard was stationed outside the door. "How do you want to do this gentlemen?" Jean whispered, ducking down. "Are we going to attempt subtlety, or use surprise to our advantage?"
He glanced at the older man and knew they were thinking the same thing. Despite their differences, they were both warriors at heart. "I'm tired of waiting." Logan growled, standing up. "Let's get in, get her, and kill a few punks along the way. You wanna do the honors, kid?"
Remy smirked. As much as they hated each other they both had the love of the fight. He reached into his tan trench coat and withdrew a playing card. The Ace of Spades. He grinned as the card began to glow pink. No turning back.
With a flick of his wrist the card went hurtling through the air. It collided with the guard sending a shower of pink and blood around him. He screamed and a few more guards came running out. Remy heard the now familiar shnk of Wolverine's claws and the man went running toward the building. Jean shook her head slightly and ran after him. Gambit couldn't help but smile as he followed suit. It was good to be part of a team again. Too bad it had to end after the first fight.
The other thugs dragged their wounded comrade back into the building, shouting out warnings behind them. They reached the now closed doors and Wolverine easily sliced through the hinges, kicking down the door. They stepped inside and Remy glanced around. There were mercenaries littered around, all looking somewhat surprised and he spotted Rogue sitting against a wall off to the right. A tightness in his chest lessened. His attention was quickly drawn upwards as he heard Victoria's voice.
"Well, well, well." She slowly descended and Remy noticed the satisfied grin the affect of her flight ability was having on the two X-Men. "Looks like the rat has come to save his new toy. And you've brought some friends to help you. That's surprising. I wouldn't have thought so much of you, LeBeau."
Anger mixed with sorrow flooded through him. She looked so much like her and was entwined in so many memories. "Do they know, Gambit? Did you tell them your dirty little secret? Have they seen her blood on your hands?"
He could feel his rage building and fought to keep it down. The air around his hands began to crackle and glow pink. This was what she wanted, she was trying to get him so riled up that he'd be sloppy. He had to calm down, had to think. Logan reached over grabbing his coat and pulling him roughly to face him. Remy clenched his fists and fought back the urge to kill the man. "LeBeau, you get Rogue out of here. We'll handle this." The man shoved him in Rogue's direction and turned back to Victoria.
A battle of wills took place within Remy. He knew the man was right, that he had too much personal involvement in fight to win it. But anger flared inside him, and pride. He couldn't just sit by and let other fight his battle for him. He wouldn't just turn away like a coward. He reached in his coat and pressed the button on the small object, extending it into a staff. He'd fight his own battles. A quick glance back at Rogue stopped him. The confusion, fear, and mistrust in her eyes tore at him. It wasn't just his fight anymore, Remy realized. You hurt one X-Man, you hurt them all. He ignored the twinge of jealousy and headed toward the girl.
Two of the goons blocked his way, and Remy contentedly raised his staff. "You boys picked the wrong persons to mess with, no? Y'in over your heads now."
He raced towards one of them, swinging his staff in an arc ending at the man's head. He brought the staff quickly around the block the dagger the other man swung at him. His heartbeat increased and the adrenaline began coursing through him. He couldn't stop a smile as he easily ducked underneath the man's swipe, swinging his fist up and connecting with his stomach. The guy gasped and slumped to the ground, clutching his stomach. Remy didn't allow himself to enjoy the small victory and ran to Rogue's side, kneeling down. A pang shot through his heart as he saw the distrust in her eyes.
"S'ok, chere." He mumbled, pulling the tape off her mouth. He reached behind her and placed a finger on one of the links of the cuff. It glowed pink a moment before disintegrating with a small 'pop.'
She looked up at him, rubbing around the metal cuffs still on her wrist. "Did you--"
"They'll be time for questions later." He cut her off, grabbing her arm and lifting her to her feet. "Right now we gotta concentrate on getting you out of here ok. Then I'll answer whatever questions you want, ok petite?"
She nodded, still looking wary but at least she wasn't going to fight him on it now. A gunshot sounded, indenting the metal wall uncomfortably close to his head. He instinctively ducked, pulling Rogue behind him. He turned and saw the man he had punched was now standing with a gun leveled at them. He stood a moment, staff raised waiting for the other man to make a move. "Alright freak," he bit out, voice sounding rough and forced. "You've caused enough problems. You know what we want, so hand it over. I may be merciful and kill you quickly if you do."
Remy smirked. "Is that s'pposed to frighten me? 'Cause I think your bad guy speech could use a little work."
"Why you little shit!" He leveled the gun at him, finger tightening on the trigger. But Gambit was too fast for him. The man screamed out as the gun exploded in his hand, sparks flying. He was too busy staring at his burned hands to notice staff being shoved forcefully into his stomach. He grunted and gasped again and Remy pulled the staff up slamming into his chin and sending the man sprawling.
"C'mon Rogue." He called over his shoulder and began to clear a path to the door. It was good to be fighting again. He glanced at the other two X-Men to see how the fight was going. Jean was doing fine, holding a few rather confused men suspended in air and another's gun began to take itself apart in his hands. Wolverine on the other hand seemed to be having some trouble with Victoria. Not that Remy was surprised, and he wondered if he should have told them about her. He watched in slight satisfaction as the man went flying a good distance from a well-landed punch. If he was a tough as his talk the old man would be fine.
As enjoyable as the show was it distracted him long enough for a thug to slam into him, knocking them both to the ground. Remy struggled with the man, trying to get back up. He glanced over as a pair of sandaled feet took a hesitant step forward.
"Rogue!" He shouted, pulling the man's hands away from his neck. "Get out of here! The jeep is outside! Now get going!"
The man's brass knuckles connected with his jaw, and anything thought momentarily left Remy. He blinked a few times, anger rising. He easily caught the next punch headed toward him and quickly filled the metal with a charge. It exploded on his hand, singing Remy but allowing him escape. He had no time to see if Rogue made it out before a group of men were charging at him. He spat the blood in his mouth to side and grinned, staff ready to meet them.
Chaos surrounded her. Everyone was fighting. Remy had three of the thugs on him, Jean was taking on a handful of her own, and she had seen Logan a moment ago fighting the blonde woman. But she had been left alone. She wasn't a danger to anyone. They all knew how useless she was. She took a small step toward Remy, but stopped.
A loud crash drew her attention to her right, where Logan had been thrown into a stack of wooden boxes, now a pile of splinters. The woman approached him slowly her back to Rogue. She heard Remy call out to her, but Logan looked badly injured. Rogue knew his healing ability could handle it, but it wouldn't be in time. The woman was going to reach him first.
Without a thought Rogue knew what she had to do. She advanced on the woman, pulling off her glove. This time, she would be the one to save him. Just enough to knock her out. Just enough that I won't be useless.
Rogue reached the woman just as she was bending over the near unconscious Logan. Her hand snaked around, grabbing the woman by the jaw. Rogue squeezed her eyes hut, concentrating hard to keep a hold of herself as the memories flooded in.
"What the--" The woman gasped, falling slowly to her knees.
Victoria Claire. That was her name. Rogue inhaled sharply as power flooded through her, as well as fighting knowledge. Incredible strength surged through her and her very skin seemed to harden. For once she didn't feel helpless. For once she was in control. Victoria fell to the ground, but Rogue held on, not wanting to lose the feeling.
Remy's face came floating into her mind, along with another woman who resembled Victoria. Bella Donna, her sister. They were all laughing, playing cards scattered on the table in front of them. Remy seemed genuinely happy, more so than Rogue had ever seen him. She could feel her bare arm brush against his, relishing the casual contact and his beautiful smile. More...she wanted more.
Pain shot through her and Rogue cried out. Confusion flooded her and her mind screamed at her to let go. She fell to darkness, unaware that the contact had not been broken.
Logan groaned and raised himself onto his elbows. He could feel the punctured organs and bruises healing themselves, not a pleasant experience. Absently he tugged a splintered piece of wood out of his arm and the fight came back to mind. He wondered why the chick he'd been fighting hasn't tried to finish him off yet. She didn't seem like the type to play fair. A scream brought him fully back to his senses.
"Rogue!!"
He sat in horror a moment, watching the scene in front of him. His opponent lay wide-eyed and pale, blue veins bulging over her skin. Rogue's hand was still clutched at the woman's neck, her brown hair hanging in ringlets around her head.
In a flash he was by her side. It took a great deal of effort to pry Rogue's hand away from the woman, and he dragged her a few feet away. He lifted her face up towards his, cupping her cheeks in his hands. Her eyes were shut tight, face twisted in pain.
"Rogue? Rogue, answer me! Are you ok? Marie!" His voice was desperate as he searched her features, trying to find any sign that she was aware of him. The veins faded, but she still shook violently in his arms. Fear shot through him. He didn't know what was going on, or how to help. He couldn't do anything.
Her eyes snapped suddenly open and Logan was surprised to find them bright green, rather than brown. She blinked in confusion and the trembling stopped. She looked down at the woman then back at Logan, confusion playing over her.
"What the hell?" She pushed violently away from Logan, sending him sprawling and looking down at her body. Her voice had changed slightly, sounding somewhat like the other woman's. "What the hell did that little bitch do to me?!"
Logan blinked, realization dawning on him. After the Liberty Island incident Jean had told him Rogue had adopted his personality for a while. That must be what was happening now. And if Rogue had her mind, she probably had her powers too.
He grunted as Rogue slammed into him mid air. She pushed him back until he connected painfully with a wall. "I was right..." he muttered.
"What did she do to me, little man?" Her grip tightened around his neck, cutting off his airflow. A growl rumbled in his chest. As he looked into Rogue's face, twisted with hatred, his survival instinct won the argument in his head. He raised a foot up and kicked her away, dropping to the ground with a slight wince. He didn't want to have to fight her, but if she was as tough as the blonde chick, he might have to. She stumbled backwards but remained standing, despite his strength.
He took a few steps closer, watching her carefully. She was staring at the unmoving woman lying on the ground. Without warning she cried out, clutching her head and falling to her knees.
"Logan!" Rogue cried out, her voice full of fear. "What's happening? I can't see anything! Where are you?"
The anguish in her voice made him want to kill something. Instead he pushed it aside and wrapped her tightly in his arms. "It's ok Rogue. I'm here. I'm right here." She cried out, occasionally shoving against him, but he held tight.
"What the hell is going on?" The woman's voice was back and Rogue clutched her head. "What did she do to me? Why...
"No!" Rogue screamed and a wave of something shot through Logan. His eyes widened in surprise as his arms slowly and forcibly let go of her. He was lifted off the ground and flung several feet backwards.
He grunted and lifted himself onto an elbow. It was impossible, but it was Magneto's power. The metal walls of the warehouse began to bend and shriek with stress. The fighting stopped as shelving units and empty barrels began flying around the room.
"Ah can't control it!" She screamed, her head falling to her knees. "They're all in mah head!!"
Logan stood, but his feet couldn't move. "Rogue! You've got to get control! You've gotta stop this! Rogue!!"
She looked up at him with wide, brown eyes, terror etched in her face. She gasped in pain and he watched her eyes turn to the bright, dangerous green. Her head swiveled towards Gambit and she shook with rage.
"You killed her!" His staff flew from his hands and he took a confused step backwards. "You killed my sister. You murdered Bella Donna! She trusted you and you killed her!" The staff went swinging toward him and he barely managed to raise his arms in defense.
Logan glanced at the Cajun, a shocked look came over the boy's face. He hardly seemed to be trying to fight off his own staff pushing him away. Rogue screamed again, in a voice that sounded like his own and he watched a scratch along side her face disappear. This had to stop or she was going to hurt herself, or someone else.
"Jean!" He had to raise his voice to be heard over the groaning metal. "Do something! Get her under control!"
"I'm trying!" She called out, jumping out of the way a motorcycle that flew by. "But every time I get a link with her, the personality changes. It's as if she's deliberately keeping me out!"
Logan growled and pulled with all his strength against the ground. He managed to take one step before she noticed him. She raised a hand toward him and every bone stopped. Slowly his feet were raised off the ground and he snarled at the look of hatred on her face. Damn it, something had to be done.
In a blur of motion Gambit was behind her, wrapping his arms tightly around the girl. With her attention focused on Logan the staff had been forgotten. She cried out and struggled against him, but he somehow managed to keep his grasp. He bent down and whispered so quietly in her ear that Logan had to strain to hear him.
"Rogue. C'mon chere, you've gotta calm down. Pull it together, petite. We're all right here wit' you. It's going to be alright. I'll take care of you. Please chere, don't leave us."
Slowly the metal objects began to fall. Logan was slowly lowered to the ground and he made his way cautiously over to stand in front of the girl. Her eyes were still squeezed shut, but the curl had mostly left her hair, leaving it in a soft wave. Apprehension filled Logan as he had no idea what to do. He barely understood what was wrong with her. He hadn't realized how unknown Rogue's power was to him until he faced it full force.
"I'm scared..." her voice choked out, cutting through his heart. "Someone...please help."
Jean walked up, placing her gloved palm against Rogue's forehead. Gambit took a step backwards, still holding on to the girl's arm as Logan took the other. Rogue's eyes snapped open revealing them to be the startling green before she crumpled. Logan deftly caught her before Gambit could and lifted her into his arms. Jean swayed slightly, massaging her temples.
"Jean, you ok?" She nodded and he looked down at the unconscious girl in his arms. "What happened to her? Why'd she go crazy like that?"
With a weary sigh Jean motioned to Victoria. "She absorbed too much of that woman. For whatever reason, Rogue didn't let go. The personality tried to dominate her, but Rogue fought back. And it seemed as though everyone she'd ever touched tried to break through her mental barrier. We've got to get her back to the Professor, he's the only one who can help her. Remy, you'd better bring her too. Though I don't know if we'll be able to help her now."
Gambit hesitated only a moment before picking the woman up and following them out to the jeep. The hired thugs had run off the moment their guns had started flying around. He kept Rogue in his arms as the sped back to the school, fear pounding through him. She had been injured in a way that he couldn't help. And all to save him. She could be dying and he couldn't do a damn thing. He was even part of the problem. He swore silently and blinked back the stinging in his eyes. He wasn't going to lose the person he'd come to think of as family like this. Not when there was anything he could do to help.
He glanced up at the kid to find him looking pale and just as tired as he felt. All the anger he'd held toward him seemed petty now. He'd gladly deal with the swamp rat flirting with Rogue, if she'd only sit up and tell him everything was fine. He couldn't imagine what it was like for her. She'd told him once that the she could still hear the people she'd touched inside her head. He had no idea they were fighting for control.
They pulled to a stop in front of the mansion and Logan jumped out, clutching Rogue tightly to him. Storm was there to meet him, a tense look on her face. "The Professor is waiting for you in sickbay. He says to bring them both inside."
"Will he be able to help her?" Logan asked as they raced by a handful of surprised students.
"He's not sure."
Closing Notes: The chapter was much harder to write that it should have been. And it was longer than I had planned on. I'm not sure why but it was a pain in the ass. I hope it came out all right. I've been kind of in a daze whilst writing it. But it's done and out and that makes me happy. It's been 2 years in the making after all. Just a couple notes about the story itself. It wasn't a plot jump that Prof. X is waiting for them. He's the strongest telepath in the world! And Remy and Rogue not having accents all the time was intentional. And since the movie played around with the characters histories, I figured it would be ok to change Gambit's. So don't flame me about how I got it wrong. It was intentional. Anyway, I may only finish this up with a short epilogue, unless there's a huge demand for more story. Either way there will be at least 1 more chapter. Review if you liked it. Review if you hated it. Let me know why so I can improve or expand on the story. Thanks!