A/N: Events may not be exactly as they appear in the series, nor are they verbatim. I'm also playing with the timing, as well.
Chica De Los Ojos Cafe: Hehehe....I have to agree with you, there. Even when I'm trying not to write fluff, it somehow turns out that way anyway. Go fig!
acupofchamomile: Yeah, I'm watching the episodes on hulu to try to figure out where to go. As for a reunion, I'm not sure whether there will be one in this story. I'll have to wait and see how it turns out.
Team-JEdward2010: Hahaha! How very true. On all counts.
roguelover321: Yep, these are events taking place from Cajun Spice, onward.
xdreamernumbuhfour: Aww...thanks so much! Love the compliments.
Madame Star: I would have to say that the 'Ascension' episodes tie with 'The Stuff of Villains' as second favorite for me. Naturally, Cajun Spice is the first, for glaringly obvious reasons. I hope I do those episodes justice.
Chellerbelle: Hehehe...I figured 'why not'.
Disclaimer: All characters and the events of 'Ascension' belongs to Marvel (or Disney, as it were).
It has been several weeks since that date. Kitty and Piotr are dating, as are Remy and Rogue. The latter couple decided to take things to the next level and are in an exclusive relationship.
If only everything else was going as well.
Logan and Jean left a few days ago to track down Mesmero. Professor is certain that he possesses knowledge of Apocalypse's plans. Another dome has appeared in China and he wants answers!
Rogue puts on a good front, but Remy knows that she is deeply bothered by these events and to some extent, still blames herself. Every time a news report comes on, Rogue's eyes take on a haunted look. Remy wishes that he was one of the ones asked to go on that expedition, but applauds Professor's wisdom in not allowing it. He wants to tear Mesmero limb from limb for taking control of Rogue's mind and using her. Then he stops to consider that they will bring him back here, if they are successful. An evil grin spreads across his lips. Let Professor get his information. Afterward, Mesmero will regret the day he ever met the X-Men.
Remy notes the time. Just as he rises to meet Rogue, she descends the stairs. She smiles at him and pecks him on the lips.
"Where we goin' tanight, shugah?"
"T'oug't we'd go int' de city an' 'ave dinn'r. We bett'r leave now, since I made res'rvations." Remy informs her as he tucks her hand into the crook of his elbow. Amara and Jubes watch happily from the sofa.
Jubes and Bobby are still going out, but Amara remains single, although Sam and Ray have both expressed an interest in her. Amara sighs. "Why couldn't he have taken an interest in me?" She asks as she gazes longingly at the retreating couple.
"Well, let's examine this, shall we?" Jubilee answers brightly. "Okay. First off, you're fifteen! Secondly, you gotta admit that Rogue's a sexy beauty. You know, that whole Southern thing and all that. Thirdly, Remy loves her. You'd have to be blind and deaf not to notice that, which brings me to my fourth point: You're fifteen! That one bears repeating twice."
"You know, you're only sixteen!" Amara retorts in aggravation.
"Yeah, but I know where to draw the line. While I think he's hot, I'm not gonna go chasing after him."
"I hope not." Bobby replies from behind Jubes, causing her to start slightly.
"Don't scare me like that, Bobby! Of course I'm not." She answers primly.
"Good. He has enough of a female following, even if he is with Rogue. Besides, I'm much cooler!"
Jubes giggles. "Naturally. You have nothing to worry about. I'm happy for Rogue. After everything she's been through, she deserves a guy who will look out for her. Especially if that guy is incredibly good-looking. That never hurts." Jubes states slyly, making Bobby roll his eyes.
"So, do you think I'm good-looking?" Bobby asks as he wiggles his eyebrows at his girlfriend.
Jubilee smiles at him. "No, I think you're the ugliest man alive." She answers sarcastically.
"Hey! What was that for?" Bobby questions indignantly.
Jubes shrugs. "Ask a stupid question." She responds simply.
"That's it! Just for that, you're taking me to the movies. And I ain't talking any chick flicks, either. Oh no, we're going to see 'Zombieland'." Bobby cheerily informs her.
"Ugh. Well, let's get this over with. But then again, who says we actually have to watch the movie." She tosses him a sassy grin as she goes upstairs to get her purse.
"Oh yeah, I've definitely got it." Bobby says to himself self-assuredly as Amara looks at him strangely.
Rogue and Remy return home to find Scott waiting for them. He is in uniform.
"Jean and Logan just called. They found Mesmero and they're bringing him back immediately. The two of you are on stand-by, along with Shadowcat, Colossus, Nightcrawler and myself. Go suit up and meet us downstairs in ten." Scott informs them, then leaves the room.
Rogue stares after him. "Oh no, it's startin'." She says softly. Remy comes up behind her and wraps his arms around her, then turns her to face him.
"Lis'n, Rogue. Y've nev'r backed down fr'm a fig't befo'. Dis is y'r chance t' prove jus' 'ow strong y' are. Don' let Mesmero an' 'Poccy take dat away fr'm y'. 'E used it on me t', if y' r'member. 'M righ' behin' y', cherie. Always will be. Let's go get changed befo' ol' One Eye comes lookin' f'r us."
They get into their uniforms and head down to where the others are waiting. Rogue sits by Kitty.
"They just brought him in. Jean, Logan, Professor and Beast are in there with him now, trying to get answers." Kitty soberly informs the new arrivals. Remy sits by his girlfriend and takes her hand as everyone waits in silent vigil for further orders.
In the other room, the interrogation continues.
"You had better tell us all you know about Apocalypse's plans, or I will go into your mind to get them. I assure you, I won't be as gentle as Ms. Grey." Professor warns.
Mesmero is unwilling, so Professor enters his mind. He gasps as he resurfaces.
"Apocalypse intends to turn humans into mutants by triggering their dormant X gene. Many will not survive." Professor gravely informs them.
"I fear I have already divulged too much." Mesmero casts a frightened look around the room.
"Apocalypse is the least of your problems at this moment." Professor retorts angrily. "Logan, I will block his power of suggestion long enough for you to place him in our containment cell. He will be held there, until further notice."
"You got it, Chuck." Logan hauls Mesmero by the back of his clothing to the containment cell and tosses him in. Meanwhile, Storm and Professor, along with Jean have moved to the next room to inform the others.
"I will be considering all available options. I want all of you to retire for the night and I know this is asking a lot, but try to get some rest." Professor gazes at the faces that have become dear to him, then wheels away to his quarters.
Remy escorts Rogue back to her room and waits as she goes into the bathroom to change and get ready for the night. She hasn't said a word, which worries him. Rogue emerges and sits on her bed. When she looks up at him, he can feel the deep concern she exudes.
"Is it too late, Rems?" She asks quietly.
"I don' t'ink so, cherie. Dere's always a way. Will it be a 'ard fig't? Definitely! But I know we can do it. We've bot' been down 'ard roads, but we came out on top."
Rogue smiles weakly at him. "Thanks, sugah. Jus' promise me one thing."
"Anyt'in'." He moves over to the bed and sits by her as she slips under the covers.
"Stay with me. Whateva happens, jus' stay with me."
"W'at makes y' t'ink 'm goin' anyw'ere?" He smooths back her hair.
He remains by her side until she's asleep, then heads down to the containment cell. He easily disables the locking mechanism and slips inside. Smirking at Mesmero, he picks him up and throws him against a wall. Mesmero's eyes flash angrily and he attempts to use his ability against the ragin' Cajun. Remy chuckles. "Dis cell is designed t' negate mutant abilities. Y' can' use dat pow'r o' suggestion in 'ere. Looks like I 'ave de upper 'and, dis time. 'M doin' dis f'r Rogue, de fille y' used t' release dat abomination." Remy lands a hard left to Mesmero's jaw, then socks him good a couple more times, before landing a final blow to his temple, effectively knocking him out. Remy exits, dusting off his hands and finds Logan leaning against the doorway.
"Nice goin' there, Cajun. Ya beat me to it." Logan admits.
"No one 'urts mon Rogue an' gets away wit' it." Remy says as he walks by Logan, causing the older man to begin looking at him with begrudging respect.
Next up: The fight for survival begins. Please push that button below and tell me whether it was good, bad or whatever.