The Uncanny R-Man: She'll get her own white uniform later, and the double date should be interesting.
simba317: Yeah I wanted to make Tabitha a bit more complex. Yeah but Emma will make her own white uniform later, and it won't be that reverse X bra thing either, I mean that thing defies the laws of physics. I can kind of see what you mean by how Hank looked as a human but maybe it's just because he and Piotr had similar builds and hair cuts. We can't have Romy in every chapter so just be patient.
Mark C: Yeah Hank does deserve someone and you'll see the new X-Men team later on. Glad you liked the Betsy/Emma talk I figured she would want the opinion of another telepath.
GothikStrawberry: I hope the Sage/Hank thing turns out well I mean he really needs someone in his life, and yeah the big bad is coming.
Aaron: Yeah I figured why should Jean be the only one, so I gave Betsy and Warren the beginnings of one too. I may do that sparring idea later, and yeah Emma and Vince will get much closer soon. I think Hank would like to be in a relationship with someone smart, someone that's his equal and Sage is perfect.
Chica De Los Ojos Café: Yeah I think Emma and Vince are both falling for each other. As for Logan I think he could also pick up their attraction to each other by their scents too.
X00001: Cause anyone their life? Where did you get that idea from?
Thanks to: Sparky Genocide, jade, unknown
Hellfire and BrimstoneCHAPTER 28: RISING EMOTIONS AND COMING DARKNESS
-Massachusetts-
Sitting in a Victorian home with a high wall looking out a lavish room window was Sebastian Shaw. Only now he was sitting in a wheel chair the once proud man felt humiliated. He was one of the most powerful and influential people in the world and he was reduced to this…Insult. He wondered how Xavier felt being weak like this, but that was another story. Now here he was healing after the boy and his redheaded bitch did this to him.
He would heal, but it would take time. His legs were in casts and he had bandages over his torso for the world to see as he only wore an unbuttoned silk black shirt. His hair was shaved close to the scalp and his left arm was in a sling. He remembered his powers overloading and the energy being released. He woke up in a world of pain as his body was broken from the expulsion of all that power.
The ground had been shaking and he felt the structure of the place starting to fall. He knew he didn't have enough time and he had to crawl to his throne. It hadn't been easy and it had also been extremely painful, but he had done it just in time. Shaw pressed down on a hidden switch that caused the throne, which was actually over a modified elevator, to take him below the mansion to the underground safe area with his own personal subway. He hadn't even told Tessa of this and he was glad he hadn't now. Only the Inner Circle knew about it and where the throne stopped and the lights in the dim area with only a tunnel, tracks, and a small personal subway car was stationed. He tried to move from the throne, but had passed out.
When he came too he was surprised to find himself staring up into the ceiling of the subway car as it was moving. He looked over to see Selene at the controls, who must had spotted him on the chair coming out of the elevator that the others would use. When she turned to face him, Shaw was repulsed by her face. It was bleeding and misshapen and she was missing an eye. He passed out again after that and woke up a few days later. Selene looked better now her face completely healed over, but Shaw wished he could too. He had his revenge to plan out…In fact, he was already planning it.
He wanted to kill those foolish X-Men for getting in his way and for the insult of his defeat. He would make them all pay. Some like Logan and Tessa would be tortured to death while the others would have far worse fates. He still had enough influence to know exactly what had happened. Pierce was in pieces and Leland was dead. Deathstrike was missing and Wyngarde, or Mastermind as he should call him, was also missing…Most likely having gone back to his master Magneto. That was another insult he planned to repay for no one made a mockery out of him.
But what he really wanted to do was get back at Jean Grey and Scott Summers…The ones who put him in this damn chair. He wanted them to suffer and when he got them both powerless before him he would make him watch as he ravaged his woman right in front of him and then make her watch as Selene had her fun with Summers. When he was dead, he would take her again…No longer as his queen, but as his slave and when he grew tired of her, he would throw her to his men and whore her off to them for the rest of her life or as long as she was pretty…Only then would he have Selene finish her off.
His hatred for them grew with every passing moment of pain he felt, but he had to wait he needed to heal first and grow in strength and forces. He would plan out and Xavier and his mutants would be the first to feel the full wrath of his wounded pride.
His dark thoughts were interrupted when Selene entered the chamber still in her Hellfire garb and cape. She looked down at Shaw with contempt and he had to wonder why she saved him, but figured she got some kind of perverse pleasure from his suffering. "We have guests."
Shaw narrowed his eyes, for no one should've know about this place. "Who is it?"
Selene's smile was a sight that always made the blood of others run cold as it did so now. "The Black Bishop of the London house is here with his Black Rook."
Shaw knew this would happen…For word of how the New York house fell would have spread like wild fire and the other houses would definitely have sent someone to clean up the mess. Then two people entered, one was a formidable looking female with short green hair that hid part of her face and matching lipstick. Her face also carried a few scars on them and she was in black combat gear. The man didn't look too impressive, for he was an average looking man with short dark hair, a little hair on his chin, and wore a black suit.
But he had this presence around him…Something that seemed to make the room go cold. He had this ominous aura about him that reminded Shaw of Selene in some way. The man with a cultured accent looked at Selene and smiled and to his amazement, Selene smiled back. "It is so good to see you again my dear Selene," the man said and took her hand and kissed the palm. He knew the woman and yet showed no fear and she seemed to enjoy it.
Shaw never considered that Selene had any friends, yet this man looked like he was, in fact, a very old one at that. That information sent his mind reeling. She actually looked charmed by his presence. The whole scene was just too surreal for Shaw. "It is so good to see you again…Essex." She said the word like it wasn't his real name and it wouldn't surprise Shaw if it wasn't.
Then this man looked at Shaw with an amused look on his face that Shaw found distasteful. "Well now I guess introductions are in order. This woman is known as Lady Viper, my right hand as it were. I am Nathan Essex and I have been sent here to find out what exactly was going on and to deal with these X-Men. You let outsiders know of our existence, let someone infiltrate our ranks not once but twice…And you also were defeated. And now you sit before me as the sorry excuse of a man you are."
"Who do you think you are?" Shaw roared out leaning forward on his chair.
"You really want to know?" Nathan said grinning with a look in his eyes that Shaw didn't like. Then 'Nathan' started to shift his shape. He grew out a bit and now wore a suit of metal with a red jewel in the center of his chest while his face turned deathly pale and his eyes became glowing red and his teeth sharp and monstrous. He looked like a living nightmare and he sent chills down Shaw's spine. He looked at Selene to see how she would react to this, but she was grinning like she liked what she saw.
Now he could see those two as friends. They both had this dark presence around them that made Shaw look like a nice guy. He knew that he wasn't a good man, but being in the room with Selene and this…Man…Was like being in a room full of monsters.
"You Mr. Shaw," Nathan said in a deep voice that sounded like several overlapping voices at once, "Can call me…Mr. Sinister."
Outside in the shadows of the building across the street was a lone figure. He was large, but there was no way to see who it was. He had been watching this place and had seen the two new people enter. In the woman, he could sense a feeling of deep hatred and malice and the man…When he looked into that man if that was what he truly was he had seen as close to true evil as he had had ever encountered. There was no mercy or compassion in him…He was cold methodical and powerful. He could feel the agelessness on him and his mind had extremely powerful blocks in it that should be beyond the man's power.
He looked at the house and could see the dark aura around it and with that dark man that just came in, the one called Sinister…He knew that this was the second trial and if the X-Men weren't ready for it…Then the things Sinister would do if he wasn't stopped could cloud the world in a powerful darkness.
The stranger stepped out into the light and in the dim street light, Slayer's face was partially illuminated. The Egyptian symbol over his eye glowed and he could 'see' a great darkness coming. Things were going faster then he had thought they were and the X-Men needed to be ready because they were the only ones that he could see that could protect this world. He then disappeared back into the shadows in a purple mist.
Inside the mansion however Selene had felt something and looked out the window to where Slayer had been. She had sensed something and she didn't like it. She had helped Shaw because he had something she needed, but the time wasn't right. Soon she would deal with Shaw and then, she could help her beloved. Sinister, however might prove a problem…Or better yet…A good distraction. They had already underestimated the X-Men and this time she wouldn't make the same mistake. She would use Sinister to keep their attention on him so her own plans could be done without anyone else's knowledge.
She also would have to keep an eye out because whoever or whatever had been outside had been watching them…And she needed to know who it had been.
-Xavier's Office-
Professor Charles Xavier had returned to his study after the danger room sessions ended. Logan had given promising reports for the new students. Both Vincent and Psylock had proven to wield very good fighting skills and Emma had shown some strong resilience as well as a great deal of resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles. Overall, he was confident about their presence on the team and felt they would be a powerful addition for future conflicts.
However, he had been unable to oversee much of the danger room session this time since he had a few hours using Cerebro. He was still seeking to find this mysterious Slayer character that his students had seen at the mall. While he didn't sound like a threat in his own right, some of the words he had given to his students were far from comforting. And after hearing from Vincent that he had actually appeared within the boundaries of the institute undetected, he had felt the urge to step up his search and find this mysterious stranger. Yet despite a long session with Cerebro, the good Professor didn't find a single trace of him.
While the ongoing mystery that was Slayer still presided in his mind, Xavier chose to take a rest from his exhaustive search. After having used Cerebro so much in the search for Jean and Rogue, his mind was in much need of a rest. But he couldn't shake his suspicions about this new phenomenon that had warned of oncoming darkness. As much as he wanted to brush it off as some sort of exaggeration or prank, Charles Xavier was never one to take such things lightly…For they would often come back to haunt him.
However, right now Professor Xavier was trying not to think too much about the negative things going on at the moment. There were still so many reasons to be grateful. Ever since the visit from Jean's parents, Jean had gotten a lot better and was much like her old self now. Thanks to the help of the other victims and especially from Scott, she was definitely on a positive road to recovery. Rogue had also made many leaps and bounds since awaking from her coma. She was now up and about, although she remained somewhat withdrawn and flinched at any mere touch even though she was physically capable now. But thanks to help from Kurt, the others, and surprisingly Remy, she was doing a lot better and he was hopeful that she would slowly learn to accept the world around her again. And while Kurt's little 'episode' earlier had been a serious cause for concern, his demeanour wasn't nearly as bad as it had been. While still rather depressed, help from his friends and Rogue was slowly teaching him how to cope with what he had been through.
In addition to the recovery, he had new students to be thankful for. Despite all the trauma and tragedy they had suffered in their lives, Vincent and Emma both seemed to be adapting fairly well to their new surroundings. While they had been hardened far more from their rough past, it still didn't make it too easy for the whole ordeal to leave them. But they were getting along very well…And they seemed to be helping each other in a particularly special way through the rough times that made Xavier wonder about a few things, but he chose to leave them to their privacy.
Along with them, Warren and Betsy were now apart of the institute as well. Both had proven themselves in the heat of battle with the Hellfire Club and their help would definitely be useful in a place full of super powered teens where anything could happen. And in addition to them, he was proud to have Sage back at the institute after so long. In all the years she had worked for SHIELD, Xavier had always thought about her and wondered if she had found whatever it was she was looking for out in the world. She had left to find herself…But it had ended up leading her back here and it was a welcome feeling to know that she saw this place as her one and true home.
With so much to be thankful for, the Professor was able to set aside most of the negative things for the time being and relish what he truly had here at his institute. His students were all alive and on the road to recovery, he had old friends return, and had gained new students as well. It truly seemed as though the worst had passed as he sat at his desk looking over one of his many books, feeling relaxed for the first time in quite some time.
However, it was getting rather close to dinner time and he knew he would have to go down soon and gather the students. He decided to put his book away and set aside some new material to go over a little later. But as he maneuvered his chair towards the lower shelf, a sudden gust of wind blew through the opened window. At first, Xavier didn't think too much of it since he didn't sense anything telepathically…Then, he heard a voice startle him in a way he hadn't been startled in quite some time.
"Professor Charles Xavier…" said a deep voice from behind.
Immediately, Xavier turned around, feeling a great deal of alarms since he hadn't sensed anything at all with his telepathy, and as he looked over towards the area near the window, he saw the tall, imposing figure of Slayer standing in the corner in full armor. While he was used to sneaking around and startling people with his stealth tricks, he had to admit…Seeing the look of surprise on Xavier's face was almost humorous in a way since he was a man who wasn't used to being snuck up on.
"I must say, it's quite an honor to finally meet you," said the mutant warrior in a non-threatening tone as he stepped forward.
Despite his imposing poise, Slayer did not give off any hints of malevolence. Despite the clear view of a long powerful looking sword, two katanas, and full bodied armor, his demeanor didn't look all that threatening. While this did set Xavier at ease somewhat, he was weary that someone was able to just appear out of nowhere on the grounds of his institute like this. However, he decided to reserve his judgment for now since he, and everybody else for that matter, knew very little about this man.
"You must be the man my students have been talking about lately…Slayer," said the Professor as he turned his wheelchair to face the stranger.
"Indeed," said the mutant warrior, "And since your students know me, I thought it was only fair that I get a chance to meet their teacher and mentor as well."
"Yes well…I must say it's a great surprise to have heard about you," said Xavier, who couldn't help but find this young man to be a truly curious figure.
"Well to be fair…I had no intention of revealing myself so soon," replied Slayer in all honesty, "But…Certain things happen that you just can't control and right now, things haven't exactly been going as I had hoped."
"I can fully relate, but…What exactly is it that you want?" asked Xavier, not sensing a thing from this stranger's mind, "Why have you been watching my students? And how is it that you know so much about us?"
Slayer's expression then become somewhat light-hearted. As unfamiliar as he was to such situations, part of him found it strange that he was doing something like this and seeking such help when he was so used too doing what he did all alone. He had many reasons for being this way, but he knew he was going to have to set them all aside for now, despite his discomfort with such situations.
"There isn't much I don't know Professor," said Slayer as the mark over his eye began to glow a soft golden color, "You're a very intelligent man and you probably understand more than most people that there are far more complex forces in the universe than normal rational human beings are willing to accept. And like you…I just happen to harbor one of those forces."
As Xavier's focus shifted to that of the glowing mark on his left eye, he soon identified the unique design. Being a man who was very well educated and knowledgeable about the world and ancient cultures, particularly after Apocalypse, it wasn't hard to trace exactly what that mysterious symbol represented.
"The eye of the Sphinx," he said, "The all seeing, all knowing guardian of Ancient Egypt."
"You know your mythology…" said Slayer with a grin, seeing that Xavier was every bit the intelligent man he thought he was, "And you're right. This eye that sees beyond the boundaries of so many forces…This symbol of great knowledge…Is one of the central aspects of my power. You see…Like you, I'm a mutant. Only my powers are a little more…Exotic than most. I have the power to tap energy…But not just any kind of energy. In this universe, there exists two types…Physical and metaphysical. The physical is the part that give one great strength, speed, and agility like Vincent, Cyclops, or Rogue. The metaphysical on the other hand…Is the part that exists solely in terms of the mystical."
"The mystical?" said Xavier, sounding very intrigued by this unique mutant phenomenon that he had never heard of before.
"Yes…As in spells and magic," continued Slayer, "Everybody has the capability to do it. But most people can't for because of a lack of knowledge or a lack of belief and life energy. But for me…I have a very unique gift. I have the ability to tap and channel both this and the physical energy around me in a similar way that Cyclops or Havok are able to. This allows me to do and see things that no other human being can. It's not a power I asked for and it's done a hell of a lot to complicate things in my already complicated life…But I use and wield it to the best of my abilities even if I am still greatly restricted by human limits."
"Fascinating…" said Xavier, "But…If you're a mutant, then why hasn't Cerebro been able to detect you?"
"Simple…It's because Cerebro only operates in the realm of the physical and I operate in both the physical and metaphysical," explained Slayer, "In addition…I have some rather formidable mental shields that mix both mind and magic. But trust me Professor…You don't want to be in my mind, so be thankful that Cerebro can't sense me."
"I'll have to take your word for that," said Professor, wondering just what it why he seemed to be living in the shadows so much that he would avoid any and all contact, "But if you don't wish to be detected…Why are you here? What is it about my students that has caused you to show up and warn us of impending danger?"
A slight smile spread across Slayer's face as he looked back at the curious Professor. He could see so much on the surface, yet there was a great story beneath the wheel chair bound man. While part of Slayer was curious, he did not use his all seeing eye to probe deeper…For as much as he could have seen, he would have to respect his privacy if he and his students were to learn to trust him as they would definitely need to for the future conflicts to come.
"You're students are strong Xavier…You've trained them well," he said as images of the fight with the Hellfire Club passed before his all seeing eye, "They went up against the Hellfire Club, suffered, struggled, yet survived."
"You knew about that?"
"Like I said…There isn't much I don't know," said Slayer, reminding him as the mark on his eye once again flashed.
"But if you knew, then why didn't you help us?" asked Xavier.
"Because you didn't need my help Professor," said Slayer in full confidence, "You're students were able to fight, win, and survive without me. There was no need for me to get involved. I only watched because I wanted to see if your students had what it took to take up the challenge…And to see if they were ready for truly darker forces."
As enigmatic as some of this man's words were, Professor Xavier found it difficult to think of something to ask him that wouldn't yield more questions than answers. If he had seen the Hellfire incident, then why was he warning his students of impending doom? What was really going on here that he was currently unable to grasp?
"Just what is it that you keep warning us about?" asked Xavier, seeing that by the look on his face, he was very serious about every word he said.
"Darkness…" he answered, "A very powerful darkness that is going to threaten everything. I can't tell you exactly what it is because I don't yet know myself…But I'm starting to have a pretty good idea."
Then, Xavier saw that Slayer had an old, rather thick book in his left hand that he hadn't noticed before. The mutant warrior then placed it on his desk and the Professor took a look at it. Whatever it was, it looked like something out of a museum. The pages were brittle and the cover was worn, but on the cover, an ominous satanic symbol filling most of the center area. As he took the book in his hands, he felt a strange chill…As if whatever was within this book had its own dark aura to it.
"Read up on your mythology Professor…" said Slayer ominously, "You're going to need to know what you're up against."
The Professor then proceeded to open the book to the first page as he found himself reading the large, imposing text on the first page.
"The gates of Hell…" he read aloud, finding the title to be to be all the more disconcerting.
As Slayer saw the Professor look over the first few pages, he felt it was best he made his leave now. He had come here to do exactly what he needed and he wanted to keep it at that…For now.
"It was nice to finally meet you Professor Xavier," said Slayer as a purple mist began to form around him, "Just know that I am not your enemy…I am an ally. And I'll need your help with this…So prepare your students for a truly epic battle against a most evil force."
As Xavier took in the layout of the ominous book, a sudden gust blew through the window. He then looked up to see if there was anything else Slayer could tell him…But once again…He was gone without a trace.
-Jean & Rogue-
After what seemed like an eternity in the infirmary, Rogue had finally returned to her bedroom. It had been weeks since she had seen actual sunlight and at first it was somewhat blinding to her. But never the less, it felt good to be up and about again. While she was still careful to avoid many of the others out of her lingering discomfort about being surrounded by large crowds, she still managed to let others know that she was okay and on her feet again. But even though she could safely touch now, she still cringed whenever someone came into contact with her. A lot of it stemmed from the lingering feelings she still had over her rape and some of it was kind of a result of her being so isolated and unable to touch for so long now.
As glad as she was to be out of the infirmary, she was still far from being back to her old self. With help from Kurt and Remy, she had settled back into her old room. And for the most part, that's where she stayed for the rest of her first day out of the infirmary. While others were helping Betsy and Warren get situated and later took part in a danger room session, Rogue pretty much kept to herself in her room…Trying to take it slow as she worked through many of the issues she still struggled with. However, thanks to the help of her friends and family, she didn't feel like such a hopeless cause anymore.
In addition to the overall help and support her friends had given her, she had also been thinking a lot about the nice dinner that Remy had given her and some of the things he had told her. While she couldn't deny that she was attracted to him…She was beginning to think that she had feelings for him. She remembered what she told him about not wanting to get too close before that fateful moment when she was captured…But now, she could touch. Granted she was still very jittery about it, but it still meant that she could actually experience the kind of things that she had been denied for so long. She could kiss, hold hands, and enjoy the feeling of a warm embrace without having to worry about hurting someone. This also meant she could be intimate with someone and even have kids one day…If she ever managed to get over the lingering feelings she still had about sex after her rape. But it was all possible now…And ever since that dinner, she couldn't help but wonder if maybe…Just maybe, she could finally be close to someone without the risk of hurting them.
As Rogue lay on her soft bed, tired from all the drama she had faced with her release from the infirmary, she found herself reading some of her favorite books to help relax her mind. While Hank and the Professor still wanted her, Jean, and the others to get regular checkups and partake in some counselling session, she just wanted to set aside the issues she had for the time being and return to the world that had nearly been taken away from her forever. She was beginning to get a little drowsy now after having read for nearly two hours and felt like maybe turning in early. But as she closed her book and set it aside on the dresser, she suddenly heard a knock on the door.
"Rogue? Are you in there?" said Jean from the other side.
"Yeah…Come in. The door's open," she answered in her usual southern tone.
Jean proceeded to enter her room, closing the door behind since she knew how much Rogue liked to seclude herself.
"I just came to ask you if you wanted anything to eat," said Jean as she made her way over to her friend's bed, "Dinner's over, but we still have some leftovers in case you're interested."
"That's okay, I ain't all that hungry," said Rogue, having not had much of an appetite since she left the infirmary, "Some of those meds Hank gave me really screws with yer appetite."
"Yeah, I had a feeling…" said Jean with a light-hearted laugh, "But in case you do get hungry, there's still plenty left. And if you'd rather have us bring it up to you, we can always…"
"I can get it myself," said Rogue, cutting her off in mid sentence, "Just because I just got out of the infirmary doesn't mean I'm some broken toy or somthin'!"
"Hey, I never said you were," replied Jean, putting her hands up in defense, "I was just…"
"Thinkin' it was too soon for me to leave…" finished Rogue, not needing to be a telepath to know what everybody thought about her predicament, "Yeah, I know…I know. Y'all think I'm still a genuine basket case because I still flinch when anybody gets too close to me. And I ain't over it…I know that. And hell…I don't know if I'll ever be, but…"
Rogue couldn't finish as she simply let out an exasperated sigh and hugged her legs close to her body as she felt the strain of her memories once again take hold in her mind. Ever since she had come out of her coma, she had been unable to go for more than a few minutes without thinking about all the pain and torment she had suffered at the hands of Selene and the guards who ravaged her body both inside and out. Jean gave her a look of sympathy as she sat next to Rogue on her bed and saw the conflicted look on her face.
"Hey, it's okay Rogue," said Jean in a comforting tone, "I know what you're going through. I know it never leaves your mind and it's hard to forget, but…"
"Speak for yourself," said Rogue with bitterness in her voice, "You weren't whipped, beaten, and gang raped by a bunch of guys…You were only raped by Shaw."
Jean froze upon hearing that, not knowing how to respond. It always hurt…Being reminded of what had been done to her and Rogue soon saw the effects of her words as the look on Jean's face turned to one of sorrow and pain. Immediately, Rogue felt bad for what she had just said as she saw the expression on Jean's face.
"I…I'm sorry," said Rogue, not believing what she had just said to someone who was trying to help her, "I shouldn't have said that…I just…"
"I know…" said Jean in a low voice, "It's…Not easy any way you look at it. We both suffered…We were both defiled…And it…It does things to you, that I understand."
A heavy silence then fell over both of them. As different as they were, they had been through the same ordeal together. Even though they had never been the best of friends, the fact that they could at least relate to one another in this most horrible experience was binding enough for the both of them. As big a help as the Professor, Remy, and the others had been…They could never understand how it truly felt.
"I don't know how I'm ever gonna get over this…" said Rogue, still full of doubt as some of the painful memories played over in her head once more.
"Don't worry…You will," said Jean confidently, "If I can do it, so can you."
"But that's different…" mused Rogue, "You have an actual family to confide in who love you and give you something to hold on to…And you have Scott, who I'm sure would probably go to hell and back for ya. Ya have so much Jean…Ya have so many people that love you both here and outside of the institute. And I guess part of me kind of envies you for that…Seein' has how you've been doin' so much better than I have."
Jean let out a deep sigh, for she couldn't deny some of the truth in Rogue's words. In the end…She hadn't really been as ravaged both mentally and physically as Rogue had been. While they both had painful illusions to content with, Rogue also had to deal with an overload of her powers. And while she was stuck in a coma and still flinching at the slightest touch, she had been able to find comfort with Scott through their link and all the love he gave here while also learning to cope a little better with the help of her family. And since she and Scott were now living together in the same room, she always had someone to hug and love in her sleep to help keep some of the nightmares and lingering pain at bay. She was not afraid to touch or even have sex with Scott, but that was just so much different than any other kind of intimate contact that Jean doubted he could have gotten any better without it…And Rogue didn't have that.
"You're right…" said Jean.
"Huh?" replied Rogue, not expecting Jean's response.
"I said you're right Rogue…" repeated Jean as she turned and faced her friend, "I did have help…I am very lucky to have such a supportive and loving family that was there for me when I needed them. I am very lucky to have such a loving boyfriend like Scott who has given me so much to hold on to and so much to help me overcome some of this horrible ordeal. And you're right about me recovering a little easier because of those things. I still have nightmares and I still feel sick to my stomach every time I think about it…But I have so much in this world to be thankful for and so much to fight for that I have all the strength I'll ever need to overcome anything. And whether you choose to believe it or not…You have that too."
"Yeah right…" scoffed Rogue, still feeling very much the isolated little girl she had always been even before the hellfire incident, "You have more than I'll ever have."
"That's not true," said Jean, not wanting to let Rogue slip into a rut of depression because of her own self doubt, "You still have a brother who absolutely loves you to death and has been worried sick about you ever since this whole thing happened. You have so many friends here that were so deeply concerned and so worried that to say you don't have a family that loves you is nothing short of bullshit. And if that dinner Remy spent half of yesterday in the kitchen cooking for you is any indication…You've definitely got someone there who really cares for you and was willing to die for you."
Rogue blushed somewhat at the mention of Gambit, which only made Jean certain that she had struck a chord. While it was clear to her that Remy carried a rather intense flame for Rogue, she wasn't sure if Rogue felt the same way. But in seeing the look on her face and sensing the subtle shifts in her thoughts…She was definitely confident that there was something there. And while Rogue was still trying to make sense out of it, she could no longer deny its presence.
"I…Really don't know about that Jean," said Rogue, stammering somewhat in her speech, only making it more painfully clear to Jean, "It's just that…Granted I do…Kinda like the guy…"
Jean gave her a skeptical look upon hearing that and Rogue just rolled her eyes, knowing she was talking to a telepath.
"Okay…I really like him," admitted Rogue, "He…He's gotta be the only man I've ever met that's looked beyond the skin, the makeup…Everything, and has liked me for who I am. I know he almost died for me…I saw the stitches on his stomach. But it's just…Every time I get close to someone, I end up hurting them. Every time I try to find something deeper with another person that I really like…It all just falls apart."
"But it's different now Rogue," said Jean, thinking that if she did have something with Remy, it would be a great help to her and bring so many positive influences into her life, "You can touch now…You can get close to people now without hurting them."
Rogue then looked down at her hands…The same hands she had used to drain so many life energies before. Only now, these hands could touch another person's body without putting them into a coma…These hands were now just hands and not deadly weapons.
"I know it may take some time to get over it at first…Believe me, I know it's hard," she said, thinking back to all the uncertainties she felt when she first got back, but was able to get through it thanks to the love and comfort Scott and her family had given her, "But you can now be part of a world you thought you were forever denied. You can kiss, touch, and even make love when you're ready. It's a wonderful gift Rogue…A gift that you now have. And I don't think you should squander it, especially when there's so much to experience."
Rogue thought about that for a minute…Wondering just what it was like to be with somebody and not have to worry about hurting them. Then, her mind began to drift into thoughts of what it would be like to have a man like Remy with her to hold hands with, kiss, touch, and make love to. They were experiences she thought she would never be able to enjoy…Yet now she had the chance. The way Jean described it and the way it seemed to help her work through all this turmoil made it sound so unreal since she hadn't been able to touch for so long. But there was just so much she wanted to feel…So much she wanted to experience. She had lived a difficult life, but now she had the opportunity to truly seize something that was once completely out of her grasp. She no longer had an excuse to be isolated…And all she would have to do was make a choice.
"It's strange…" mused Rogue as she looked down at her hands once more, "For so long now I haven't been able to touch. I've lived a life stuck in my own prison. And now that I'm out…I'm actually scared to change it. I mean…I can finally touch. I can finally be around somebody without having to worry about putting them in a coma. I can go out, date, and not have to cover up all the time. And if I want to…I can actually grow close to somebody."
"My point exactly…So why not start off with Remy?" said Jean with a smirk, which actually caused Rogue to laugh for the first time in quite a while.
"I don't know about that just yet," answered Rogue as she stopped laughing, "But…I guess I sure as hell wouldn't mind. And maybe…Just maybe…"
"There could be something," finished Jean as Rogue seemed to trail off in her words.
"Well…He is kind of cute…When he's not bein' annoyin', egotistical, and that stupid cocky grin…Okay maybe that grin is kind of charming." Both girls laughed a bit at that. "Well…We'll just have to see," said Rogue with a smile as she couldn't help, but entertain more thoughts of actually pursuing something with a man like Remy.
They both laughed again, finding it hard to believe that she was really enjoying Jean's company. They may not have had all that much in common, but she couldn't help but feel that she could relate to her after everything they went through together. While she never expected to ever become close with Jean Grey, in the presence of her company and support…She was glad to call her a friend.
-Wanda's Room-
Wanda was listening to some music while reading, or at least trying to read. Ever since Kitty's little suggestion she had been having trouble thinking. Kurt did need to get out of the place but she didn't know how to approach him on it. Sure it would be just a friend thing but still…It was technically a date and she had never been on one. Okay, since she had come here she had hung out with a few of the others and her 'social skills' had improved, thus she was happier here then with the Brotherhood, but why was her stomach in knots when she thought about it.
Yes, she and Kurt were close and she did feel something for him, but she had never had a boyfriend or had been in love, so how could she know what it was like? Her personal musings were cut short by a knock on her door. She sighed and asked who ever it was to come in and she wasn't surprised when Kitty phased through the door.
"Hey Wanda, have you given anymore thought about that outing? I mean, I'm really nervous and having you and Kurt would help me and Piotr out more. Plus, he really needs to get out of the mansion at least once," she said and Wanda hated to admit it, but she had a point with that last one.
"Alright I'll ask him, god just…Go and ask out Piotr already okay?" Wanda said exasperated.
Kitty brightened up and actually hugged Wanda, "Oh thank you, thank you. You're the bestest friend ever!"
"Kitty…Get off me before I hex you," Wanda said coldly, "I'm not a hugging person remember?" Although it was nice to have people around that cared about her and liked her, she was still a bit uncomfortable with this kind of thing. Kitty quickly pulled back and still thanked her as she left.
Kitty was giddy at the moment for two reasons…First because maybe Kurt would finally find someone to fill the void left by Amanda and second because she would finally get a date with Piotr. She had been attracted to the big and quiet Russian for some time now, but it was after he held her and comforted her had it opened her eyes in a way. She had felt so safe and peaceful in his arms and lately she had been thinking about him as more then a friend. It had been awhile since she and Lance broke up and she felt she was ready to date again.
Piotr was nice, handsome, and a true gentleman. Okay, so he was slightly older, but so was Lance and Piotr treated her better then Lance had anyway. She walked up to his room and tapped on it. She heard his voice calling her in and she phased through it, she didn't see the point in opening the door since she would just close it later. She saw him working on a sketch that he quickly placed down. "Katya, how can I help you?"
Kitty bit her lower lip nervously and walked over to him. "Piotr…We need to talk," She said and sat down on his bed. "I need to ask you something…Do…Do you like me?"
"Of-of course I do. You are one of my closest friends."
"No I mean…Like, like me. More then a friend because…Well…I like so totally like you that way."
"Y-you do?" he said with both surprise and a little joy on his face. He got up and sat down next to her and took her hand in his gently. She had been avoiding his gaze until that moment as she looked up into his eyes. "Katya…I do like you more then a friend. You are a wonderful young woman…You have a deep heart filled with kindness and you're beauty is amazing."
Kitty started blushing and moved some of her hair out of the way. "That's…That's the most romantic thing anyone ever said to me. Well do you like want to go out? I mean on a date? Wanda is going to take Kurt out of the mansion so…You want to go with them?"
Piotr saw the pleading look in her beautiful doe like eyes and he could hardly say no to her. "Da, I would like that." Kitty squealed with glee and hugged him.
"Thanks you, I'll like see you later tonight I guess," she quickly gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before dashing off through the wall. Piotr reached up to his face feeling the place where she kissed him and a smile grew on his face.
For Wanda it was a pretty much the same thing only she found Kurt on his balcony, sitting silently and looking out over the water in the distance. "Hey," she said simply standing next to him and he smiled a bit, but still looked out over the ocean his mind wrapped up in his own pain.
"Vanda…How do you do it? How do you live vith it?"
She sighed and leaned forward, "At first I couldn't, but after it stopped the doctors tried to help me…But I didn't trust them or anyone else there. It took years for the nightmares to go away for the most part…But the difference between you and me is that you don't have to go through it alone like I did. I came to accept it and I moved on. Being here has helped me…I mean I'm happier here then anywhere else I've ever been."
Kurt looked down at her and gently took one of her hands in this on the railing, "I'm glad you and zhe others are here…I don't zhink I could do zhis alone. I mean zhe Professor vants us to take counselling sessions to help us…I mean it might be a good idea. Rogue and I have been talking about it and maybe it might make us feel better to get it out of us."
"Well whatever you decided, go for it. But I have another thing that might help you out." She tried not to show her nervousness at this point and was doing okay for the most part, except her heart was still pounding in her chest for some reason, "Kitty asked out Piotr and she's a bit nervous…So she wants another couple to go out and asked if you and me would like to go."
He sighed and shook his head, "Zhat girl never fails, is she trying to make us a couple?" Knowing full well Kitty liked to play matchmaker.
Wanda bit her lip, "Kurt…I think we both know that there's something going on with us."
Kurt looked at her and then looked away nodded. He remembered how she had been there for her all those times and how nice it had been cuddled up against her in his bed. He hadn't felt that good since before Amanda left and he did think she was beautiful. "Ja…I know…It's just with everyzhing zhat had been goig on…" He let that hang in the air and Wanda nodded knowing full well what he meant.
"Kitty said we could go as 'just friends'…But I don't want that. Kurt I think the world of you…You're the most kind and caring person I have ever met and you helped me out so much when I cam here. It hurt me to see you so broken up after Amanda and when Rogue was missing and then…" She couldn't finish that, for she still remembered that horrible scene of Selene raping and torturing him on that table.
"Kurt…I want to try this as the real thing. You need to get out of this mansion at least once and we both need to know…Is there more then just friendship with us. So…What I'm saying is…wWll you go out with me tonight?" Wanda, nervous as hell, couldn't stand this and every second was like an eternity.
"Ja…I villl Vanda." He said and Wanda's face whipped to his and he eyes were smiling for a bit.
-Later-
They had gone to the movies at a late night viewing. Kurt and Wanda were a little unsure how to do this, since they were seeing if they could go from friends to more then that. But they soon got over it and fell into a nice comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with each other. Kitty was just excited to go and both couples started talking to pass the time of the line up.
Kurt opened the doors for Wanda as Piotr had done the same for Kitty and both girls paid for the tickets if the boys would pay for the snacks. Kurt got an extra large one for himself and Wanda. And while she had told him there was no way she could eat half of that, he just shrugged and said there was more for him, which she just rolled her eyes. Although she did admit he seemed more like his old self.
Both couples decided to sit next to each other since they saw a few people that knew then that were giving them a few dirty looks. But they just ignored those and kept on with the movie. It was an action/drama film and it was kind of enjoyable. Kitty laid her head on Piotr's strong shoulder halfway through is and he linked in arm in hers. They strayed like that for the rest of the film. Kurt and Wanda were enjoying the film and Wanda felt something snake around her ankle. She suppressed the urge to jump, thinking it was a rat or something but looking down it was Kurt's tail.
It was coming out of his hologram and wrapping itself around her ankle. She smiled and leaned back. It felt a little weird…But also somewhat nice. Kurt didn't realize he was doing it until she was giggling at something. That had caught his attention because she never did that, but it turned out his spade tipped tail was ticking her a bit.
He pulled it back and said he was sorry, but she just smiled at him and whispered to him that it was okay and he could place it back there if he wanted. He did and later he decided to try out an old move and stretched and placed his arm behind her. Wanda rolled her eyes a bit but went with it resting her head on his soft shoulder feeling the fur slightly under his shirt. He placed his hand on her shoulder and it felt so nice being there like that to the both of them.
Kurt missed having someone in his arms like this and Wanda felt so safe and peaceful like that.
When the movie was over they walked back talking and joking and carrying on like nothing bad had ever happened to them. They all just wanted this night to be normal and wouldn't allow anything to interfere with it. When they got back inside the mansion they split up as Piotr walked Kitty to her room and Kurt walked Wanda to hers. Both couples had enjoyed the night. Kitty was at her door and realized it had ended and she found herself not wanting it to. Piotr had turned out to be a good listener and he listened to everything she had said. With Lance, sometimes he zoned out on her and she had to admit that it was nice to have someone like Piotr.
"Well I like, guess this is my stop," she said blushing and pulling on one of her bangs nervously, "I had a really great time tonight…You…You think we can like, do this again?"
Piotr smiled looking down at the petite brunette and smiled that warm smile of his that Kitty felt melt her heart seeing it. "Da, Katya I would love to." Kitty smiled and to Piotr it was like seeing the sun rise and Kitty decided to quickly take advantage of this and placed her hands on his muscular chest and on her tip toes kissed him lightly on the mouth. He eagerly wrapped his large arms around her waist and both felt like they were floating. She had never felt something like this with Lance, for he always rushed it, but with him…He was so gentle, yet firm.
She reluctantly pulled away both of them blushing, "Well I'll like see you tomorrow then," she said phasing through her door. When she was on the other side she leaned against her door and sighed falling down onto the ground a huge smile on her face. She would have to write about his in her journal on her laptop. She also resolved to see Rogue tomorrow and tell her about everything. She was still her best friend and at least now they could talk about stuff like they used to.
Kurt was also in a better mood then he had been in the last few days. He wasn't even aware he was holding Wanda's hand until that moment but she didn't seem to mind. Being around her like tonight was nice after getting over the initial discomfort they had very relaxed around each other. When they got to her door, Kurt felt he had to say something. "Vanda…Thank you, for taking me out…I needed it."
Wanda smiled kindly at him still holding his hand, "You're welcome Kurt, I…I had a good time tonight too." She was nervous that he might not have, but she had enjoyed herself. Kurt was a true gentleman and once he was out of his mood, she really liked being with him. He was the only one that could make her laugh anytime and considering how dark her life had been, that was a precious thing to her.
Kurt blushed a bit still in his hologram form, "So did I…Do…Do you vant to do this again?"
"Yes I do I had fun and I would love to out with you more…So…I guess…This means we're dating?"
Kurt grinned at her with that happy boyish one and leaned forward a bit looking into her eyes, "If you vant to," he whispered to her. She could feel his warm breath and it sent slight shivers down her spine that she found that she enjoyed.
With her hand she turned off his hologram, wanting to see the real him. As she looked into his yellow eyes, she found them very beautiful and she didn't realize how much she loved to look into them until this moment. Kurt couldn't help, but stare into her eyes as well. He wondered just how he never noticed how amazing they were. They slowly leaned forward and before they knew it they were kissing. They didn't know how long they were kissing…Only that they were and after a moment they both broke away and smiled at each other.
She caressed his cheek feeling the soft fur there, "Goodnight Kurt, pleasant dreams," she told him gently and went to her room. Kurt had a grin on his face for the rest of the night and later on he did have pleasant dreams…Mainly of her.
NEXT UP CHAPTER 29: BOTTLED UP EMOTIONS