Once again the dresses the girls are wearing are from Randall Designs website.

Chapter 9

Everyone was extremely nervous as the judges started the competition. The professional class was the first group to compete. The dance floor was in the center of the room with tables set up around it. On the left hand side in the corner was the entrance for the dancers. Back where it couldn't be seen by the audience was a room that the dancers could use to warm up. It also had a little TV so that they could watch the other competitors.

Wanda and John were practicing some moves while waiting for their turn. Wanda looked up as a man dressed in a tux walked into the room. He called their number and announced that they would be on in one minute. Turning nervously towards the door Wanda felt John put an arm around her waist. "Relax sheila, we're ready for this." Smiling her thanks at him they walked out and stood waiting for their signal to enter the ring. As the last couple exited the arena they nodded to Wanda and John who walked into the arena and bowed to the judges. As the music started they forgot their nervousness and just started dancing. They did an excellent job. Everybody watched with fascination as they danced around the floor. When they were finished applause erupted in the auditorium. They smiled and bowed towards the judges before turning around and walking off the floor.

Once back in the warm-up area they were surrounded by their friends telling them how wonderful they looked out there. Wanda grinned as Kitty gave her a hug. "Kit, you can release me now. I need to breathe."

Kitty pulled back looking a little sheepish. "Sorry about that. You guys just looked so good out there that I got a little overexcited."

Wanda grinned and replied, "It's alright. It felt really good to get out there and just dance." Once all the excitement had passed a little they all turned to the TV to watch as Rose and her partner danced. They were doing the Tango.

As Rogue watched them dance she had to admit that they were good. Remy seemed to sense what she was thinking because he leaned close and whispered, "We're better." Rogue just nodded and kept her gaze on the TV.

Before they knew it, it was time for Kitty and Piotr to get ready to dance. As they waited for the previous couple to finish Kitty fidgeted with her floats. "Do not worry Katya. We are going to be great," Piotr told her in an attempt to lessen her worries.

Giving him a hug she said, "I know. It's just that I always feel so nervous before we dance in front of the judges."

"Da, I know what you mean. Just try to pretend we are practicing in the studio."

Kitty nodded and watched as the previous couple walked off the dance floor. She took Piotr's arm and they walked to middle of the floor where they bowed to the judges and waited for the music to begin. As the music began Kitty was swept away by the feeling of dancing with Piotr. He smiled down at her they danced together and it seemed to the audience that they had forgotten where they were. When the music stopped Kitty and Piotr were brought back to reality as thunderous applause erupted in the arena. Smiling huge smiles the couple bowed once again before turning and leaving the arena. As they left they got big smiles from Rogue and Remy who were waiting for their turn in the arena.

When they entered the warm-up room to watch Rogue and Remy's dance Kitty was caught up in a big hug from Wanda while John slapped Piotr on the back with a big smile on his face. "That was amazing mate. I thought for sure that you would float away and we would never see you guys again."

Piotr laughed at his friend's comment and then turned to watch Rogue and Remy dance. They looked great together. The quick-step was one of the hardest dances in Peter's opinion because of all the fast foot movements while keeping your upper body in the proper position. Watching Rogue and Remy, Piotr knew that they were talented dancers to make it look so effortless. When they finished their routine they received load applause from the audience.

When they walked back into the warm-up room and they received hugs from their friends. Smiling Rogue and Remy welcomed the compliments but were still nervous since they had to wait so long before the results were announced. "This is always the hardest part," Kitty said as if she had read Rogue's mind.

Rogue nodded and turned to her friends. "How are you guys holding up? Ah would be a mess if ah had to wait as long as Wanda and John."

Wanda smiled at her friend's concern. "I'm holding on. John is keeping us occupied with lame jokes but its better then nothing." Smiling at her boyfriend she gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

"Remy has some cards. Would you like to see a trick?" Remy asked trying to distract everyone from some of the tension. With Remy and John entertaining everyone the time passed quickly. They never stood still too long as they didn't want to cool down and risk a cramp in the next round. Before they knew it the judges were calling the couples out to the dance floor.

All the couples walked out onto the floor to applause. The audience had enjoyed all the dances and was anxious to see what the judges decisions were going to be. They didn't have long to wait however. "After watching all these wonderful couples dancing the judges have made their decisions," the announcer said to the audience and the competitors. "The following six couples will proceed to the next round where they will show their skills at the Latin dances. The following couples please step forward. First is couple #2: St. John Allderyce and Wanda Maximoff. Next is couple #3: Rose Baldwin and Kevin Graham. Couple #5: Katherine Pryde and Piotr Rasputin. Couple #6: Rogue Darkholme and Remy LeBeau. Couple #11: Annabelle McLean and Alan Green. Couple #15: Samantha and Robert Jones. Now let's give another round of applause for the couples that didn't make it." As the audience was clapping the six couples that made it were hurrying to the dressing rooms to change into their Latin costumes.

Once in the changing rooms Rogue, Wanda and Kitty gave each other a quick hug of congratulations before getting changed. They only had five minutes before the next leg of the competition started and they wanted to make sure their hair and make-up looked as fresh as when they had done it this morning.

Kitty got changed into her orchid colored Latin dress. It was a sparkly asymmetrical dress with a slit up to her hip on the left hand side. It was a one shoulder dress with the back dipped to the top of her buttock. She added some hoop earrings to her outfit and a few flowers the same color as her dress to her hair before deciding that she was ready.

Wanda's dress was blue one shoulder dress that had silver appliqué down the right hand side. The left hand side had some pieces cut out across her belly to show off parts of her toned midriff. The skirt was long on the sides and went up in the front to allow for easier leg movements. She also added a flower to her hair and some silver drop earrings.

Rogue was wearing an emerald green two piece. She had a bra-like top on with a mesh covering in silver with only one sleeve that covered her entire arm and a little fringe around the bottom. The skirt was tight down to mid thigh before going into ruffles but left one leg completely exposed up to her hip. She also put in more dramatic earrings but instead of flowers she put silver clips in her hair.

When they were satisfied with the way they looked they rushed out to meet their partners. The men always preferred the Latin dresses to the ball gowns because they showed more skin then the others and the girls got some appreciative smiles from the men before they were called out for the second round. "The dancers will show their versatility and stamina in this round," the announcer told the audience before informing the dancers which dances to expect. "The first dance will be a Cha Cha, followed by the Samba and then you will finish with the Paso Doble." With that being said the judge signaled for the music to start.

The couples spread out as the music started. Each one forgot about the other couples as they danced with their partners. John and Wanda were having a greet time. They danced around showing off for the judges as well as the audiences. Each of the couples tried to outdo the others as they danced. Within five minutes they were all starting to sweat and breathe a little harder. The judge called out for the Samba and the music changed as well as the way the dancers were moving. The audience applauded for their efforts with the Cha Cha before settling back down to watch their Sambas.

Rogue and Remy were dancing when out of the corner of her eye Rogue saw Rose and her partner doing a complicated move. Rose twirled out and got a little off balance. Luckily Remy was able to pull Rogue into a spin before Rose bumped into her and caused their dance to be messed up as well. Smiling at her partner they continued on with their dance. The dancers were starting to tire. It was hard to dance three dances back to back with the complicated moves they were required to include in their routines.

Kitty looked at Piotr and said in a soft voice, "I'm having some problems. My leg is starting to cramp."

Piotr didn't say anything right away as he was trying to come up with a solution. "Can you continue to dance?" He asked when he couldn't come up with a way to help her.

Kitty nodded her head as they were called to do the Paso Doble. "It's just one more dance. I can manage until I can get back to stretch it out." Nodding Piotr hoped she wouldn't hurt herself in an effort to win.

As the dances were finished the couples all stopped and bowed. All were breathing hard and sweating. Applause filled the arena and people stood up to give them a standing ovation to show their appreciation for the dancers doing three dances without a break. The judges had them wait patiently for the scores to be added up. After 5 minutes of waiting the announcer stated, "There will be four couples moving on to the final round. During this round the couples will pick what style they will dance to. There have been certain requirements for the dancers to meet during the dance. The four couples that will be going on in no particular order is couple #15: Samantha and Robert Jones, couple #2: St. John Allderyce and Wanda Maximoff, couple #5 Katherine Pryde and Piotr Rasputin, and couple #6 Rogue Darkholme and Remy LeBeau."

Applause followed the dancers out of the arena. The judges met the four dancers that were to continue on to the next round. "Here is the order that you will be competing: #15, 6, 2, and 5. We will also need to know what dance you are planning on doing for this final leg of competition." After telling the judges their dance choices the dancers went to get ready.

Rogue and Remy were doing the Tango so she changed into another Latin dress since the one she was currently wearing was soaked with sweat. She had chosen an aqua colored dress that had a modest front on first glance. There was a slight v in the front but was cover by sheer fabric. The back was cut low without being too indecent and the skirt was cut as an upside down v. She freshened up her hair and make-up and headed out to meet with Remy with a call of good luck to her friends.

Kitty and Piotr were going to do the fox-trot and so Kitty changed into another ballroom gown. This one was pink with sapphire blue accents. It had wider straps and matching v-cuts in front and back. She hurriedly redid her hair and make-up and ran out of the changing room.

John and Wanda had decided to do the Quick-step. Wanda pulled out her black and red gown. It had a sheer black fabric that covered the arms with matching float that attached at the elbows. The skirt was red and made of soft ruffled material. There were jeweled accents across the chest. Running out of the dressing room after touching up her hair and make-up she was just in time to watch Rogue and Remy doing the Tango.

"They look good out there don't they?" Kitty asked as Wanda came up beside her.

"Yes, they do."

Remy and Rogue were enjoying themselves so much that they almost forgot where they were. Remy hadn't taken his eyes off of Rogue since she walked out of the dressing room. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and the dress she was wearing accentuated all her curves. As they finished their dance he gave her a quick kiss before standing up to bow to the judges. They had met all the requirements and their routine had gone off without a hitch.

When they got back to the room they watched John and Wanda dance. They also pulled off their routine without any major hitches. Kitty and Piotr were next to dance and then it was time to hear the judges' results.

The speaker stepped up to the microphone and announced the winners. "In fourth place are Couple #5 Katherine Pryde and Piotr Rasputin." The crowd applauded the couple as they went to receive their sashes and flowers. "In third place is Couple #15 Samantha and Robert Jones." Once again the crowd clapped as Rogue and Remy gave Wanda and John hugs and wished them luck. "And the winner of the professional portion of this competition is Couple #6 Rogue Darkholme and Remy LeBeau!" Everybody started cheering and clapping for the winning couple. They received hugs and congratulations from the other couples and congratulated their friends on their accomplishments. "Now it is time for our winning couple to close this portion of the competition with a dance of their selection."

Rogue smiled and Remy and told the announcer that they would be doing the Rumba. Everybody watched them dance and it was clear to everyone that this was a couple who was very much in love. Once off the stage Remy pulled Rogue in for a mind boggling kiss. Before Rogue could comment on the kiss they were grabbed once again by their friends. "Come on! Ororo and Logan are treating us to a fancy dinner tonight and the other will be there as well!" Kitty exclaimed as she drug Rogue off to the dressing room to get a shower and change clothes one more time.

XxX

I believe that this story will be coming to a close in the next few chapters. :-( I had some more ideas but I think it will drag the story out so all that I had planned for another competition will take place at the Lensherr Company Party. Hope this chapter was entertaining. I've never had to work so hard to write a chapter. :-)