"Games Mutants Play"

Chapter 3
 

           Professor Xavier!
           The powerful telepath's familiar psychic touch enveloped Proteus and Emma Frost at the same moment. Animosity forgotten, they whirled around to stare at him in wondering disbelief.
           She said ye were dead!   Proteus's elated 'pathing rang through the cave with such force that even Jean and Jubilee turned to stare at the stunned teenager in surprise. I saw th' mansion destroyed!
           For one brief moment, Xavier thought he caught an equally vivid burst of relief in Emma's distinctive thought patterns. Then a protective mask dropped over her mind, hiding her churning emotions from view.
           Xavier was alive?   But how?  She'd seen his mansion annihilated, seen the smoking ruins!  His dynamic mental aura had been gone!
           Tricked!  Betrayed!   Somehow he must have sensed Sinister's plot, and turned her own psychic abilities against her!
           Bitterness rose in her throat, quelling that brief, bewildering surge of elation.
           "I don't know how you managed that, Xavier, but..."
           Her low, furious words made Juggernaut's head snap around.
           "Xavier!" Outraged, the livid giant ignored Rogue's attack and lumbered toward the cave's entrance. "Why can't you just stay dead?"
           A massive stone barrier suddenly rose around him. Snarling, he hurled his broad shoulder against it, and a spider-web of cracks crisscrossed one side. Yet before he could smash through, fire began to crackle from the fissures.
           It'd take more than that to hold him back! Bellowing, he lunged forward again...only to find his huge feet encased in half a ton of solid rock! "Hey, what's goin' on here?" he howled. "Knock it off!"

• • • • •

           Now! While the gawky teenager was busy protecting Xavier from Juggernaut's wild fury...distracted...
           Emma's eyes narrowed in anticipation. Yet before she could prepare another savage mental attack, a huge pair of hands suddenly locked around her arms, dragging her back.
           "Perhaps you would care to match wits with a more worthy opponent!" Beast rasped in her ear.

           He was free!  Grinning, Pyro shook the last fragments of ice from his colorful uniform and ducked into the shadows. He was gonna get that high-and-mighty Egyptian weather-witch if it was the last thing he did! The nerve of her, freezing him like a slab of beef and leaving him there to thaw!
           Well, she hadn't counted on him being able to trigger his flamethrower! And now he was gonna turn the tables!
           Grinning, he conjured up a huge fire-beast and hurled it at the high ceiling.
           Storm whirled around just as hot flames snatched at her feet. "You simply cannot take a hint, can you?" she demanded, frowning down at the little British mutant. "Winds, remove this vexation from my presence!"
           Pyro's yelp of terror echoed through the cavern as a fierce tornado enveloped him and swept him off the ground. Then a well-aimed bolt of lightning blasted through his flamethrower.
           The resulting explosion threw him clear of the cave and out across the vast African jungle...

• • • • •

           Gambit still needed help! And Morph knew just the mutant who could handle the job! Grinning, he raced into the fight, his elastic body growing larger with every heavy step. "Hey, fat boy!" he yelled, his deepening voice booming over the din. "You need to go on a diet!"
           The Blob blinked in amazement as an even larger replica of himself clomped up and scowled down at him. "Hey! You ain't gonna make fun of me like that!" he protested.
           Morph smirked and raised a huge, meaty fist. "Let's see how well you bounce, blubber-ball!"
           The Blob wasn't brilliant...but he knew when to take a hint! He nearly tripped over his own big feet as he backed away, hands outstretched. "Okay, okay! I'm goin'!" he insisted. "Lemme alone!"
           Morph watched as he turned to dash out of the cave, then shrank back down into his own familiar shape again. A cackling burst of laughter escaped him as he slapped Gambit's shoulder. "The bigger they are, the faster they run!" he snickered. "C'mon, Gambit--let's see what other trouble we can find!"

• • • • •

           There had to be a way out of this nightmare! Despite his better intentions, Creed ducked back as Black Tom soared through the air and crashed into the wall with a sickening thud.
           So far none of the X-Men had taken much notice of him...and for the moment, Sinister's men were too busy fighting for their lives to worry about him.
           But that was going to change when the fighting ended. And no matter who won, he was going to be in big trouble.
           He almost hoped that Sinister's band was victorious. At least they would kill him quickly, and be done with it. Xavier would let him live--but with the shame of his own cowardice. Even if his ribs weren't fractured, he'd never have the courage to strike against either team...
           Or would he?
           Black Tom was sprawled in a crumpled heap over against the wall--but his laser pistol was lying only a few steps away, half-hidden in the shadows. Could he find a way to snatch and use it before someone saw him?
           New hope and determination flooded through him. Even if they killed him, at least he'd die doing something right!
           Mystique was still hovering nearby...did she really have some misguided notion about rescuing him? He needed no help from an abomination, even if she did happen to be his misbegotten mother!
           Better to die cleanly than be grateful to her!
           Maybe she'd even be the first one he killed...
           A sudden stealthy movement caught his attention. There, on the other side of the cave--Deadpool was sneaking around toward the entrance. He couldn't be trying to escape, so his target must be...Xavier himself?
           Creed was so stunned by the ninja assassin's audacity that he almost yelled out a warning.
           Then he hesitated. Xavier's capture was sure to distract the other mutants, and that would provide a golden opportunity to snatch Black Tom's gun and start firing! Maybe he'd even get lucky enough to hit Sabertooth!
           Mystique heard his sudden gasp, and followed his intense gaze across the cavern. Deadpool!  There was no mistaking the ninja's slender profile even through the dark shadows. He was clearly up to some mischief--but what?
           Surely he couldn't be foolhardy enough to attack Xavier himself!
           Yet if he did...that would create such a distraction that she might be able to help Creed escape!
           First she needed some kind of weapon to defend them, though. And Black Tom's laser was only a few feet away.
           Her eyes narrowed, she began to edge toward it.
           Creed stifled a heartfelt groan of despair as Mystique moved closer to the fallen gun. He needed it--how could he possible wrestle it away from her?  She could change into any loathesome creature she chose!
           Now he was never going to escape!

• • • • •

           Charles Xavier was not as oblivious to his approaching demise as he appeared. Every mind in the cavern was open to his questing thoughts.
           He knew that Gorgeous Jorge was still alive, despite Storm's numbing burst of cold which had shattered his tarry body into a thousand pieces. Given time, he would reform into his normal ugly form and continue raising havoc with the X-Men.
           He knew that Graydon Creed, Jr., was plotting the untimely death of his mutant parents even as he followed Mystique's every movement with wary, covetous eyes.
           He knew that Emma Frost was fuming in Beast's secure grasp, and that Sinister was scheming to avenge himself against Gambit for that painful, unexpected blow to his shoulder.
           He knew that somehow, against all odds, young Proteus had learned the truth about his unique heritage...and had accepted those long-past events without malice or bitterness.
           He knew that Deadpool was creeping around the edge of the shadowy cave, weapons drawn, intent on killing him.
           He also knew that salvation was approaching on lightning-fast, silvery wings.
           And so he waited, a serene expression on his dignified face, as the black-masked ninja assassin crept closer and closer.
           Let him come, let him gloat in his overconfidence.
           Any moment now...
           As if on cue, a wide shadow blocked out the sunlight at Xavier's back.
           Two lithe shapes separated.
           One, slender and black, hurled herself at Deadpool and sent him sprawling.
           The other, tall and muscular, furled his widespread wings and dove at Hairbag before the burly aborigine could draw his weapon.
           Xavier simply smiled.

• • • • •

           Jean stared across the cave in blank disbelief.
           Psylocke?  And Archangel?
           It seemed so impossible...yet there was no other explanation! She knew both of their minds so well, there could be no mistake!
           Psylocke, for all her avowed hatred of the X-Men, had just saved Professor Xavier's life!
           And Archangel...
           A silent gasp escaped her as the tall mutant rose to his feet and warily scanned the cave, searching for more trouble. His immense wings were white again!
           And his face...surely Apocalypse's blue and pink bands were fading! Could he finally have purged the last of the evil giant's conditioning from his tormented mind?

• • • • •

           Now!  While everyone's attention was diverted...
           Mystique scooped Black Tom's powerful laser off the floor and ducked back into the shadows.
           If they could remain undetected for just a few more minutes, she could morph her flexible body to imitate a section of the rocky wall itself! Hide Creed behind it just long enough for the other mutants to leave...and then they'd be free to escape!
           Everyone was staring at the two struggling ninja's in rapt fascination. Even Juggernaut and Sabertooth had stopped fighting against Proteus's terrifying reality shifts.
           Mystique lifted the laser...then hesitated.
           Even if Creed killed her, she knew what she had to do.
           Bracing herself, she tossed the deadly weapon to her son.

• • • • •

           Mystique's unexpected gesture stunned Creed into bewildered confusion. Suddenly everything seemed vague, unreal, as they faced each other in wary silence. Only the laser felt real in his hand, solid, warm from her slender fingers.
           Mystique...his mother.
           Despised mutant, a blight on humanity.
           But she was offering her very life to save his! Could she trust him that much?
           She was a fool!
           And yet...
           'Why should I trust you?'    His suspicious voice came floating back to him, harsh in his own ears. How he hated her hideous indigo skin, her blood-red hair, her glowing yellow-gold eyes...and the look of guilt on her face as she'd answered, 'Because I'm your mother.'
           He wanted nothing from her, certainly not her pity! An hour ago, he could have killed her without blinking.
           An hour ago...
           He lifted the laser, hoping to see her flinch. Let her beg, let her plead! That would make it easier to do what he should have done months ago, in the now-abandoned Friends of Humanity headquarters.
           Mystique met his hostile glare with a calm dignity that rankled his pride. Dammit, he was about to kill her...she should be afraid of him! Why wasn't she yielding?
           Sabertooth's long, tawny mane drew his eyes away from her exotic features, and a new mask of hatred distorted his lean face. Sabertooth!  His hatred for Mystique was nothing compared to the loathing he felt for his notorious father!
           The gun rose in his hands, higher and higher until it was level with Sabertooth's broad shoulders.
           Let Mystique try to stop him! His mind and body still ached from the massive giant's vicious abuse! He was about to get his well-deserved revenge!
           There was no sound, only a vivid burst of light as the deadly laser beam flashed across the cave. The glowing bolt struck Sabertooth squarely between the shoulderblades. He lurched forward into Proteus's sturdy restraining wall, and smacked his forehead on a jagged outcrop of stone.
           A grim smile curved Creed's thin lips as his most bitter enemy slumped to the ground without a sound. Probably wasn't dead--his loathesome mutant healing abilities would repair all but the most catastrophic physical damage in mere minutes.
           But that didn't matter. Creed had finally redeemed himself. He would never cower in terror from Sabertooth again!
           Mystique was changing before his very eyes, flowing into a thin rocky barrier. He backed against the far wall, wide-eyed with disgust, as she melded with the walls and ceiling. He was totally surrounded.
           "What are you doing?" he rasped, his voice choked with fear. Was she going to trap him in here until he suffocated or starved to death?
           She was stretched so thin now that he could see light filtering through her repulsive polymorphic skin. Well, at least he wasn't totally shrouded in darkness. That would have reminded him too much of the dank cellar where Sabertooth had chained him, beaten him, starved him...to teach him 'respect!'
           He hadn't expected a reply--how could a rock speak? Yet her sibilant whisper seemed to echo around him, penetrating his very bones. "Protecting you," she hissed. "When the others have left, then we'll escape."
           Protecting him?
           Stunned, Creed sank to the ground, and the gun slipped from his numb fingers. No mutant had ever cared about his safety before. No one, not even his long-dead older brother and foster parents, had risked so much to protect him.
           All this time...could he have been so wrong?

Chapter 4

• • • • •

           Beast suppressed his growing dejection with an effort.
           True, his teammates' incredible tales were fascinating! Someday he must travel through Dr. D'Argent's portal himself, and see all the marvels they were avidly describing!
           But his precious Shi'ar multicorder was gone--lost when the slavers had captured Storm's team! So much irreplaceable knowledge gone forever! If only she had been able to retrieve her backpack before returning!
           As if she could sense his melancholy thoughts, Storm suddenly glanced in his direction. "My apologies, Beast!" she exclaimed, her dark eyes twinkling with pleasure. "I almost forgot to return this to you!"
           Beast caught his breath in shocked amazement as she reached into a fold of her dusty white suit, and pulled his precious 'corder into view.
           "Once I was able to establish communication with Mitros," she cheerfully added, laying the device in his large palm, "he was quite willing to download several trillion terrabytes of information for your review. Everything from their latest medical and scientific advances to governmental and social histories of the major intergalactic civilizations."
           The burly scientist's stunned expression was so comical that Wolverine snorted in wry amusement. "Someone better warn Carly," he interjected, rasping his long claws together, "' cause we ain't gonna see him again for the next year!"
           Jubilee suddenly glanced around the crowded plane. "Where is Carly, Professor?" she demanded. "And how'd you make the school seem to blow up, anyway? It is okay...isn't it?"
           Professor Xavier favored her with a reassuring smile. "The mansion has not been damaged, Jubilee. I merely implanted a vivid psychic image in Emma Frost's mind. Once she believed that we had all been destroyed in some cataclysmic accident, shielding our minds from her view was a simple matter."
           "Carly is waiting for us at Muir Island," Beast elaborated, a doting smile curving his lips. "She and young Ilyana are minding Cerebro until we return."
           His mild statement instantly provoked a new spate of eager questions. Xavier raised a calming hand before anyone could protest this newest development. "Ilyana has displayed tremendous mutant potential, despite her comparative youth," he soberly explained. "I believe that someday she will be a valuable asset.
           "In the meantime, Beast transferred all of Cerebro's data to Moira's computer at Muir Island, in order to make the mansion's destruction seem complete," he added, nodding in satisfaction. "The girls are protecting the island in our absence."
           A half-trained empath and a young, defenseless child?
           Gambit rolled his eyes in disgust. "What dey gonna do, throw rocks at da bad guys?" he whispered in Rogue's ear. "Good thing we're almost dere!"
           Rogue barely even heard him. "Look, Professor!" she cried, gesturing out the window. "There's the island...but it don't look the same! Where'd that big grove o' trees come from?"
           Xavier spun his hoverchair around and glided over to her side. Muir Island's familiar outline lay beneath them--yet surely that rippling burst of color at the island's western tip had not existed before!
           "Set us down immediately, Cyclops," he ordered, a bewildered frown darkening his austere features.
           Thick grass blew in rippling patterns as the huge Blackbird settled into its customary place near the main building. Then pandemonium reigned as his students exited the plane with reckless abandon to greet Moira and the two girls.
           "One day, without any warning, the metal wings simply shattered!" he heard Warren exclaiming as he descended the ramp and moved closer to Moira's side. "And ever since then, the color bands on my skin have been fading. With the right lighting and a little makeup, I can pass for a normal human again!"
           Moira's delighted grin was contagious as she threw her arms around the tall, winged mutant and gave him a warm hug. "An' I'm so glad t' see ye lookin' so well!" she assured him. "Ye'll have t' tell me all the rest later, after all the fuss has died down a wee bit!"
           Then she turned to include Xavier in her enthusiastic smile. "Welcome back, Charles! Yer girls've been a rare treat, an' 'tis so good t' have ye all back safely! I'd swear Kevin's grown another inch'r two!"
           The Blackbird's roaring engines interrupted them, and she glanced over her shoulder. "Cyclops is returning to Africa for our prisoners and Dr. D'Argent's portal!" Xavier explained as the massive jet briefly hovered, then shot forward and disappeared over the horizon. "They should return within a few hours."
           Moira soberly nodded. Then, as Warren turned to speak with Jean, she bent closer and laid a gentle hand on Xavier's shoulder. "Ye've seen our new addition?" she murmured, canting her head toward the distant grove of trees. "Ilyana swears she made it appear by readin' a spell from that magic book ye gave her!"
           "But that is not possible!" Xavier protested, shaking his head in disbelief. "Even if those so-called 'spells' are valid, she is too young to possess the necessary strength..."
           Suddenly he faltered, appalled by what Ilyana's spontaneous demonstration implied. "Such incredible power is unbelievable!" he whispered, his eyes widening. "If she cannot be contained..."
           "Aye, an' I've been thinkin' the same thing meself," Moira soberly nodded. "Ye're a wonderful teacher, Charles, but ye're not skilled in magic. I'm thinkin' ye'd best find someone who can train her proper, so she'll not be a danger when she gets her full powers!"
           Xavier slowly nodded. "Beast has worked with Dr. Strange, the mutant magician, in the past. I will ask him for assistance. Such potential cannot go unchecked, for her own sake!"

• • • • •

           "Hey, Gambit!"
           The lanky Cajun chuckled as Carly maneuvered close enough to give him an affectionate hug. Then she eagerly gestured over her shoulder, toward the distant medical center. "Just before we left the mansion, some lady from New Orleans called and left a message for you!" she exclaimed. "She sounded pretty urgent! I taped it and brought it along, in case it was important!"
           Rogue paled as Gambit cautiously straightened, his eyes narrowing with wary distrust. He'd sworn never to go back to New Orleans...not after that last time, when he'd been tricked into returning, and then betrayed. Who could be calling him after all this time?
           Surely Belladonna wasn't trying to win him back again!
           His long fingers tightened around hers, reassuring her. "Don' you fret, chér," he murmured in her ear. "Gambit go take da call, an' see what all da fuss is about. Ain't nothin' to worry about--you'll see."
           Rogue watched in anxious silence as he strode across the wide yard, his shaggy russet hair blowing around in the light wind. After all they'd been through together, she couldn't lose him now! She just couldn't!
           Hot tears burned her eyes as she slowly backed away from her teammates. They were still eagerly grouping together, trading adventures with carefree abandon. She didn't belong here with them, not when her heart was aching so badly! She needed to be alone for a while...needed to sort out her own bewildering emotions before Gambit came back...
           A light touch on her hand startled her. Ilyana was at her side, curling trusting fingers around hers. "Come with me?" she invited in a soft, lilting voice. "See what I made for Moira and Banshee?"
           Maybe a distraction was what she needed--and the girl's ingenuous plea was impossible to resist. Rogue mustered a faint smile, and obediently followed Ilyana across the wide yard.

• • • • •

           The grove was beautiful!
           Rogue felt her troubled spirits rise the moment she stepped inside the leafy haven. A warm, fragrant breeze instantly encircled her. Beneath her feet, colorful flowers spilled across the soft grass like a vibrant carpet. The whole world seemed new, fresh, full of life and energy as she stared around in awed wonder.
           She barely even noticed as Ilyana swung her arms wide and spun around in an enthusiastic circle. "Isn't it beautiful?" the girl eagerly demanded. "I had no idea that Applegarth would be so wonderful!"
           Applegarth?
           Rogue turned to stare down at Ilyana in confusion. "Whatcha talkin' about, sugar? An' how'd you make all this happen, anyhow?"
           Ilyana grinned and tossed her blonde hair over one small shoulder. "Merlin's garden at Camelot was called Applegarth!" she explained, her blue eyes gleaming with delight. "Professor Xavier's book told me how to recreate it!  Moira was so surprised!"
           "Yeah, I'll bet she was!" Rogue muttered under her breath. Then she frowned and shook her head. "Somethin' about this place feels...well, different! Not bad, exactly, but..."
           "It is a magical place--a healing place!" Ilyana supplied, twirling in another graceful circle. Her long hair seemed to float behind her as she dropped to the grass and lifted a large butterfly on one finger. The colorful insect calmly stared back at her, and idly flapped its brilliant wings. "You see, maya syéstrah?  In here, nothing can harm you--the world is at peace with itself!"
           At peace with itself...
           Rogue leaned against a shaggy tree and stared up at the distant sky, her thoughts whirling with confusion. A few short weeks ago, she'd been at peace with the world! Would she ever find that sweet sense of happiness again?
           If Beast couldn't fix whatever had happened to Gambit...
           A soft rustling caught her attention, and she glanced over to see a big praying mantis swaying back and forth on a nearby limb. For one brief moment, its uncanny resemblance to their alien enemy, Vartas, startled her. Could his kind have sprung from similar beginnings? And what effect would Ilyana's magic have on the creatures in this grove?
           She turned to ask the question, but Ilyana was already gone, like a wraith on the wind. Even the grass where she'd been sitting was springing back up, hiding all traces of her presence.
           On impulse, Rogue stretched her hand toward the big predator. It hesitated for an instant, then stepped onto her finger with dainty clawed feet that left tiny indentations in her yellow glove. Keen intelligence seemed to shine from its multifaceted eyes as they stared at each other in silence.
           Suddenly the mantis leaped away and scrambled back up onto its branch. Rogue turned as Gambit stepped into the grove and then hesitated, staring around in wondering surprise.
           "Figured you might be in here, chér," he finally murmured, forcing a half-smile as he reluctantly moved through the swaying trees and stopped beside her.
           He had bad news--she could hear it in his voice. Rogue clasped both hands together and forced herself to stand straighter. She wasn't gonna cry, not for anything, no matter what he had to tell her!
           Gambit noticed her instinctive gesture, and felt his chest tighten with remorse. His precious Rogue--she was trying so hard to be brave! If only there was some easy way to break the news to her!
           He drew in a heavy breath, then sighed and shook his head. "I gotta go, chér," he confessed. "Can't ignore dis call--dere's too many questions dat gotta be answered."
           Rogue swallowed hard and glanced away. "I kinda figured as much," she managed, her voice tight with unshed tears. "How long you reckon you'll be gone?"
           Gambit hesitated, then slowly shook his head again. "Don' rightly know, Rogue," he confessed. "Someone special down dere needs Gambit's help real bad. Cain't leave 'til it's over an' done, one way or t'other. An' I cain't take ya wit' me, not dis time."
           Then he curled his fingers around hers, and lifted her hand to his lips. "You still gonna be here when Gambit gets back?" he urged, his husky voice wistful with barely-suppressed hope.
           The golden wedding band on his left hand seemed to shimmer in the dappled light. Rogue took obscure comfort in the symbolism it represented--life and love, always constant, never ending. Her own hand seemed to tingle as she squeezed his long fingers and managed a slow nod. "Long as you're comin' back, I reckon I'll be here waitin'," she promised.
           She hesitated an instant, then gripped his hand a little tighter. "Remy...back there on the Nexus planet...when I reabsorbed Carol Danvers' spirit..."
           Dammit, she was stuttering! She'd waited years for this, wanting the moment to be just right...and now that it was finally here, she was messing it all up!
           Rogue took a deep breath and tried again. "I, um...well, I 'member my real name now," she shyly confessed. "An' I thought maybe...'fore ya go..."
           Before her courage failed completely, she leaned close enough to whisper in his ear.
           Her willingness to share the deepest part of her soul was all the reassurance Gambit needed that she still loved him. A gentle smile curved his lips as he drew her into his arms and held her close. "Dat's a real pretty name," he murmured against her curly, white-streaked auburn hair. "Suits you somehow, ma chér."
           Then he tilted his head to one side and stroked her soft cheek. "All da same...don' think Gambit'll ever get used t' callin' you somethin' different," he wryly confessed. And he laid her hand against his chest, so that she could feel the slow thudding of his heart. "In here, I reckon you'll always be my 'Rogue.' Nón?"
           A hesitant smile brightened Rogue's face as she met his warm gaze. "I love you, Remy LeBeau," she whispered. "Don' you ever forgit that!"
           He softly chuckled, and brushed a stray lock of hair off her forehead. "Ain't nothin' waitin' for Gambit in N'Orleans better'n dat," he promised. "Take care o' yourself now, y'hear, chér?   Da time'll pass 'fore ya know it. An' den Gambit'll be home again, where he belongs."
           He pressed one last gentle kiss on her slender fingers.
           Then he was gone.
           Rogue spun away and buried her face in her hands as Gambit's long legs carried him away from the grove and across the wide yard.
           Moments later, a muted roar climbed into the sky as he launched Morph's borrowed mini-jet westward...toward New Orleans, the place of his birth.
           And down in Applegarth--Ilyana's magic garden--a tiny mantis watched with calm serenity as Rogue straightened her shoulders, wiped the tears from her face, and bravely left the mystical grove to rejoin her teammates.

The End


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