"When the Hunter
Becomes the Prey" - Part II


Chapter 4

           "They are starting to move the other prisoners out!" Storm hissed, her elegant voice muted with urgency. "Rogue, you must suppress your feelings until a later time! We cannot escape without your assistance!"
           Escape? What good would escape do them? Where could they go?
           Rogue slowly lifted tear-filled eyes and stared through her two teammates without seeing them. Carol Danvers was gone... Gambit was dead... Their entire mission was in ruins!
           And it was all her fault! If she hadn't insisted on haring off on a wild goose chase, chasing an elusive spirit halfway across the universe, none of this would have happened!
           Carol Danvers probably hadn't even made it through alive!
           And for all she knew, these alien creeps weren't slavers at all! Maybe this was some kind of prison, and they were all under arrest for having used the portal without permission. Maybe those walrus-guys had just been taken out to face an execution squad.
           Her companions were the lucky ones--they'd die quickly and easily. There wasn't a weapon on Earth, short of a nuclear bomb, that could destroy her! And so she'd be left behind...probably tortured or experimented on to see why they couldn't kill her...
           Well, it was what she deserved, for recklessly leading her friends into danger!
           Wolverine's hand descended on her shoulder, gripping with insistent strength. "C'mon, Rogue," he rasped, his deep voice husky with urgency. "We all know what it's like to lose someone we love! And we all know how you felt about Gambit!"
           That was the truly ironic thing--they did know how she felt, better than she did! All of them had sharp, clear memories of Gambit and her, memories that they'd tried to implant in her head, to help her remember. And it had worked, up to a point--she knew, through their eyes, that she and Gambit had really been in love.
           It was only now, when he was gone, that she could feel it again herself. She had loved him, with all her heart and soul! Even losing her memories hadn't changed that. And the pain was so sharp, so overwhelming, that she just couldn't stand it!
           "Gambit's gone now!" Dammit, Wolverine was still nagging at her. Couldn't he see how badly she was hurting? What did he want from her, anyway?
           "But we still need you!"
           Why?  To get them into more trouble?  To get someone else killed?
           "The X-Men don't abandon their teammates!"
           ...teammates...
           Something splintered and broke inside Rogue's heart as Wolverine's hoarse voice penetrated her grief. Yet...somehow, at the same time, a tiny seed of new determination took root and began to strengthen her flagging determination.
           ...teammates...
           Gambit would never have abandoned his teammates, no matter how badly he was hurting inside.
           Could she do any less?
           With a suddenness that startled her companions, Rogue launched herself at the transparent roof of their prison. The entire cube shuddered as she smashed into it.
           "C'mon, you alien creeps!" she shouted, bracing herself for another wild attempt. "You ain't gonna kill the X-Men without a fight!"
           Wolverine and Storm exchanged quick glances. Somehow they'd finally gotten through to her. Now was their last chance to escape. They'd make the most of it...or die trying!

• • • • •

           Jubilee wanted to slap that supercilious grin right off Carol Danvers' face!
           So what if they'd almost been captured by the bug-creature? They'd done all right before that! Made it through monster-infested swamps and quicksand bogs, and even those giant shark things out there between the two biggest islands, without so much as a scratch!
           And they'd managed to track those alien slavers right to their lair, too, without a single compass or tracking device!
           'A pair of kids,' indeed!
           She turned just enough to make eye contract with Kevin, and flashed a silent message his way. His eyes seemed to glitter briefly as he straightened. Oh, aye, I'm with ye, he 'pathed back with a grim smile. Jest gimme the signal, gal!
           Heartened, Jubilee stiffened and met Danvers' mocking smile with new determination. "We're X-Men!" she retorted. "We don't need your help to rescue our teammates! C'mon, Proteus!"
           Danvers' eyes bulged in shocked surprise as the tall Irish lad suddenly vanished behind a huge, glowing mass of energy and stretched his bulky arms toward the ship. An instant later, a dozen huge columns of stone burst up through the splintering ground. Thin, distant wailing screams filled the air as the island seemed to come alive, bucking beneath the slavers' feet like a wild animal.
           "Well?" Jubilee demanded, glaring up at Danvers in open derision. "What're you waiting for, an engraved invitation? C'mon! Let's go!"

• • • • •

           They were finally slowing down, he was certain of it! Gambit blearily shook his head to clear it. One more high-g spin and drop like that last one, and he was gonna be checking out just how well those aliens had fixed him up...by losing his lunch! Or whatever meal he'd had last, he couldn't remember anymore. These idiotic cops certainly hadn't thought to feed him since they'd brought him back alive, that was for sure! Probably didn't know what his 'primitive species' ate!
           Damned aliens, he silently swore as the speeder dropped again, and a spray of water glittered across the thick windows. They were gonna get him killed yet, if they didn't start driving any better!
           Then a shuddering impact threw him against the back wall again. But they hadn't hit anything...they were skidding across a wide sandy beach, letting the speeder's own weight bring it to a rasping stop. Grudging approval dispelled Gambit's black fury as he realized what they were trying to do. Hell, he'd probably have done the same, to get in that close without getting shot.
           But they couldn't leave him here while they headed off to fight the slavers, they just couldn't!  His teammates were out there somewhere...Rogue was out there! And if she needed him, he damned well wasn't gonna stay here, sitting on his butt, while those two cops had all the fun!
           It was time to play his hand, and hope he hadn't drawn a busted flush!
           Bracing himself, he sent a massive burst of kinetic energy through his magnetic handcuffs. Didn't know how much he'd need, and he was only gonna get this one chance...
           The resulting explosion stunned the two aliens. Eyes wide, they whipped around, weapons drawn.  Gambit shook his hands, wincing, as the cuffs disintegrated in a blaze of hot energy. Damn, he didn't think he'd put that much force into it! But the air did smell different--cleaner, somehow. Could his kinetics be working better here than they would've back on Earth?
           Grinning, he spread his fingers across the back panel that had battered him half-senseless so many times. He was gonna enjoy blowing it up! Glowing light began to pulse from his palms, spreading across the thick transparent surface...
           The octopus-thing was the first to react. Tentacles frantically waving, it shoved its larger partner out of the way and lunged for the driver's seat again. Urgent, flowing syllables echoed through the speeder as it pushed at a recessed panel, and the back door began to rise.
           They were releasing him! Triumphant, Gambit quickly re-absorbed the flowing kinetic energy and yanked his hands back. "' Bout time!" he grumbled as he swung his long legs out and staggered to the ground. "C'mon, we ain't got all day!"
           Mitros's frightened array of colors began to recede as the two larger aliens faced each other, eyes narrowed with hate and distrust. He should have known that the Ekssmnn would protest about being left behind, with its mate and offspring in peril. And it seemed to have its own internal defenses--they need not endanger themselves by giving it one of their high-tech weapons.
           "Tarlok, we don't have time for in-fighting," he urged, laying one long tentacle on his partner's shaggy biceps. "We can't keep it captive any longer--count your blessings that it didn't decide to break free earlier!"
           Tarlok swallowed hard, shaken by that ominous thought. Then his glowing eyes hardened. "If it makes any attempt to protect the slavers or menace us," he grated in his deep, rumbling voice, "I will kill it myself, witness or no witness."

• • • • •

           Gambit!
           Stunned, Carol Danvers jolted to an abrupt stop and hovered in mid-air. For one brief, eerie moment, another pair of eyes seemed to be seeing through hers.
           Gambit...he was alive! Overwhelming relief surged through her in spiraling waves. He was alive!
           But why wasn't he stopping? Why was he running past her, toward the cave entrance? He'd seen her--she knew he had, 'cause she'd seen that fleeting spark of recognition in his glowing reddish eyes!
           "Gambit!"   A voice that was not entirely her own echoed in her ears as she shot after him, heedless of the danger. She had to catch him, had to help him free the X-Men!

• • • • •

           "Gambit?"
           Jubilee whirled around and stared in stunned disbelief.
           Jubilee, look out!   Proteus rapidly threw up a protective barrier between her and the aliens as one of them rallied enough to take a wild shot in their direction. He can take care o' himself!
           A powerful laser blast seared into Proteus's crude shield, and scorched dirt flew in all directions. Ye dazzle 'em while I keep 'em shook up! he urged, jerking his head to one side. G'wan!
           "Yeah, well, we're sure not gonna get any help from her!" Jubilee snarled as she watched Danvers disappear into the cave after Gambit. "Wonder what's got her so upset?" Then she pulled her visor down and tugged her heavy yellow gloves a little tighter. "Can you get me over there without being seen?"
           Another brilliant laser shrilled past her head...but it was coming from behind her, and aimed at the slavers!
           Yelping, she ducked just as Tarlok rose from the shelter of a fallen tree and aimed at the massive, misshapen ship again. A long shudder seemed to ripple through it as energy splashed against its bulging sides and vanished without a trace.
           "Proteus, don't!" she protested as her glowing teammate spun around, one hand outstretched. "I think they're on our side! Look!"
           Across the clearing, more of the bizarre alien outlaws were gathering their wits, and dropping into defensive positions. Yet behind them, the ship was pulsing, undulating in a sickening rhythm that made Jubilee turn pale. "That's gross!" she moaned, averting her face. "It looks like it's gonna throw up!"
           Without warning, a clump of dirt rose beneath her feet and began to move with startling speed around the edge of the clearing. Gasping, she threw herself down and clung to the wispy grass as Proteus and the two good-guy aliens vanished behind her. Well, she'd asked him to get her around the slavers' flank...what better time than now, when they were just as distracted by the ship's revolting behavior?
           Brilliant globes of white-hot plasma energy exploded from her outstretched hands as she swung close to the nearest alien. "I'll teach you to go after the X-Men!" she yelled, grinning in eager triumph. "Take that, creep!"

• • • • •

           Carol Danvers! She was here--Rogue had been right!
           A grim, fleeting smile curved Gambit's lips as he ignored the blonde's shocked expression and raced past her. He'd seen some of those aliens heading down into that big cave up ahead--maybe that's where they were keeping his teammates! There'd be time later to find out how Danvers had survived...and just whatinhell Jubilee and Kevin MacTaggert were doing here!
           In the meantime, as long as the alien cops didn't shoot them by mistake, they looked like they had things under control! Which left him free to find Rogue and the other X-Men.
           The big cave was better lit than he'd expected. Still, he prudently hesitated just inside the entrance, letting his eyes adjust to the shadows. Dieu, but he'd stumbled on a bigger hornet's nest than he'd thought! The large cavern was littered with big crystalline cubes, and most of them were filled. Aliens of all sizes and shapes...
           Rogue!
           Gambit's heart faltered with relief as he finally caught sight of his precious wife.
           And Wolverine and Storm!
           They were safe...well, about as safe as you could get in a vipers' pit, anyway.
           Now how was he gonna get 'em out?

• • • • •

           "Gambit!"
           Shocked, Rogue caught herself in mid-air and stared in stunned surprise. It couldn't be...she'd seen him killed, felt the life-energy fading from his body! The awful sight of that gaping black hole in his chest armor was indelibly burned in her memory!
           "What?" Wolverine whirled around, claws rasping together, as Storm spun in a tight circle. Her last burst of lightning almost scorched the tips of his mask.
           "Gambit?" Storm's eyes widened in wondering delight as she caught sight of the Cajun's lanky profile in the deep shadows near the cave entrance.
           "Thought you said you saw him killed!" Wolverine snarled, glaring up at Rogue.
           Bewildered, Rogue shook her head in numb confusion. "I did, Logan! I swear it!" Her long hair floated out behind her as she hovered above him, shaken.
           Wolverine's eyes narrowed. "Then maybe that ain't our Gambit!" he snarled. "An' I hate imposters!"

• • • • •

           Damn, they'd seen him! So much for sneaking in unnoticed!
           Okay, so he'd have to take the frontal approach. Wasn't the first time he'd thrown himself headlong into battle, ready or not...
           A stealthy noise behind him settled the matter. He hadn't come this far to get caught again! Bracing himself, he reached into his pocket for a handful of cards.
           Dammit, those alien cops had taken 'em all when they'd knocked him out!
           Okay, fine! He wasn't called 'Gambit ' for nothing--he still had an ace or two up his sleeve, just like any proper gambler should! The cave floor was littered with pebbles and chunks of rock. And he could throw those even harder than any playing card, especially the way his kinetic energy seemed to be working on overdrive here!
           Grinning, he scooped up a double handful and charged across the room.

• • • • •

           Vartas could not believe what he was seeing!
           The two small alien interlopers must be clanmates of the three that he and his partners had captured at the Nexus chamber! And he had been so proud of himself for spying them in the bushes, creeping closer to the lair! Let Tarrgh and Stronn boast of their keen Llrrtan eyesight...they had not been the ones to spot approaching danger!
           Then another of those wretched bipeds had clobbered him from behind...and suddenly he'd found himself sprawled across the tarmac like a frozen tsziche bug. His upper thorax still ached from that precise blow! It was a wonder that the miserable creature hadn't cracked his wingcases!
           He should have listened to his gnawing inner doubts. These alien creatures were no easy kill! They had underestimated their prey, and badly! The very ground beneath his feet obeyed their commands--how could Stronn and Tarrgh hope to maintain control of them outside of the unbreakable crystalline cubes?
           Without question, they would make very bad slaves.
           Vartas stared in disbelief as the larger of the aliens, a glowing energy-monster, suddenly swelled with power until it was looming over the trees, swinging huge metallic blades in its immense fists.
           A polymorph with such incredible powers? In the name of the seven sacred suns, what had they unleashed?

• • • • •

           Though Jubilee was used to Proteus's abrupt reality shifts, even she stumbled over a low branch and stared in horrified wonder as a gigantic Samurai warrior soared over the trees and began slashing at the terrified aliens.
           Samurai? she protested, focusing her thoughts at the gigantic masked face. C'mon, Kev!
           They've ne'er seen one afore! he shot back, his mental tone bright with suppressed laughter. Lookit 'em run!
           He was right--the slavers had had enough. More than enough! Howling, they rapidly scattered, weapons forgotten as they dashed for cover.
           C'mon, Jubilee! Proteus urged, taking an earth-shaking step in her direction. Don't let 'em git away!
           The spunky teenager lifted her hands just as one of the larger aliens, a long-legged spidery thing with two weaving heads, staggered toward her. Its howl of agonized terror brought a smug grin to her perky face. "That'll teach you, jerk!" she taunted. "Wanta try it again?"

• • • • •

           "Gambit, look out!" Storm's warning cry was instinctive as the distant sunlight threw a wavering shadow across the wall above the tall Cajun's head. "Behind you!"
           "We still don't know if that's really Gambit!" Wolverine protested, rasping his long claws together.
           Across the room, their teammate reacted without even thinking. The pebbles in his hands began to glow with brilliant light as he spun around, hurled them into the air, and threw himself into a desperate headlong roll to avoid being shot from behind. Multiple explosions rocked the chamber as the charged gravel collided with solid stone and hard-packed dirt.
           "It's gotta be Gambit!" Rogue insisted, her voice ringing with elation. "No one else coulda done that! Remy, hurry!"
           He was on his feet again and running, dodging myriad laser bolts from the far end of the cavern. The X-Men were safe enough--he'd already seen those deadly beams splash off one of the other crystalline cells without damaging it. But he was far from indestructible. And he already knew what a mess they'd make of him if they shot him again!
           Rogue's frantic cry spurred him into a new burst of speed. Another handful of rocks...even if they fell short of his attackers, maybe it'd slow 'em down a little. Then the transparent cell wall was smooth and cool against his long fingers. He'd never dared to throw such a potent charge into anything before, but this was an emergency! He wasn't gonna get another chance to free his teammates if he didn't make this one count!
           The angry voices were getting closer, closing in on them. Now, dammit, now!
           "Winds protect us!" Storm's urgent voice reached him from a tremendous distance as he staggered to one side, his body aching. Then the explosion hurled him forward, into another huge cell.
           Free...they were free! He'd done it!
           The two raging Llrrta's stumbled back as Storm's gale-force hurricane lashed them with glowing fragments. A laser bolt whizzed by Gambit, barely missing his tousled hair. Then Rogue's familiar hands were around his shoulders, hoisting him to his feet again. "Remy, what in the world..."
           "No time, chér!" Gambit gasped, wincing as his throbbing muscles protested. It hurt to move...hurt to breathe! He'd never pushed himself so close to the breaking point before! "We talk later, eh? Look out!" Bracing himself, he caught her hands and swung her around just as another bolt of energy sliced through the air.
           Wolverine and Storm were already paired off, back to back, protecting each other from danger. He'd do well to imitate them, until they could fight their way out of the cave and into the open. "C'mon, Rogue!" he yelled. "Stay wit' me!"
           "Everyone ready!" Wolverine rasped, his eyes narrowed with anticipation. "Here they come!"

• • • • •

           Carol Danvers wasn't hurt by two dozen kinetically charged rocks exploding around her--she wasn't called 'Ms. Marvel' for nothing! She'd withstood far worse attacks, without so much as flinching. But why was Remy attacking her? Didn't he realize that she was on his side?
           And yet...
           Two minds, side by side, intermingling...
           She had been trapped inside for so long, helpless, raging, fuming with bitter hatred...
           Two souls intertwined...
           She was free now, yet not free...that kindred soul, once forceful, vital with life energy, lay inside her now, crying for release! How she reveled in smug satisfaction, denying the plaintive yearning that plucked at the nerve-endings of her soul! So long she had waited, trapped, broken, like a caged animal...waiting for revenge to wreak its own sweet rewards!
           Then, without warning...a glowing burst of light through the darkness, a whirling eternity of color and sound and indescribable ecstasy...a body to surround her restless spirit, to obey her slightest whim...
           Yet whose thoughts, whose life essence, spurred her onward now? Whose urgent desires had commanded her new body, hurtling her away from the fight outside and into this dark cave? Remy LeBeau meant nothing to her...he was a Cajun thief, an outlaw! Why had she pursued him, against all common sense, as if her very life depended on reaching his side?
           Why, unless...
           "YOU!" Furious rage flooded through her, half-blinding her, as a familiar figure rose into the air and hovered above Gambit's head. "You took away my life--I'll kill you!"
           That red-haired upstart who had drained away her mind, her soul, her unique mutant powers...she was here! And fighting at the Cajun's side!
           Rogue's head snapped around as Danvers' distinctive voice echoed through the large cave. Then her green eyes widened in horror as a supple shape detached itself from the cavern's roof and aimed a huge energy weapon at Danvers' unprotected back.
           "Look out!"

Chapter 5

           "Look out!"
           Rogue's frantic cry came an instant too late.
           "Ms. Marvel!"   Dismayed, she darted across the cavern, dodging myriad laser blasts with thoughtless ease. "Hang on!"
           That damned polymorphic alien--she had to stop it before it shot Danvers again! Snarling, she smashed into it and sent it flying back into the rocky wall.
           "Rogue!" Gambit was only a few steps behind her. "Wait up, chér!"
           She didn't have time to wait...Danvers' spirit was only existing in an alien host body, and it might not be as sturdy as the one still waiting for her back on Earth! One more direct hit might kill her!
           At least Gambit's kinetics were working again...he could feel the warm energy tingling through his lean frame as he dodged around the side of another crystalline cell and raced for the cave entrance. Damned good thing, too, because he'd felt so helpless for those few brief moments when he was vulnerable, defenseless. Lotta good he'd do his teammates without his mutant powers!
           Without warning, shimmering tendrils curled around his long torso and dragged him to a stop. That big glowing-thing...he'd seen it hovering up near the ceiling a few minutes ago! And it was trying to drain his life-energy...he'd snuck a kiss from Rogue often enough to know that feeling!
           Well, he didn't have time to waste fighting it right now! Grimacing, he laid both palms across its two largest tentacles. He'd give it an overdose it'd never forget!
           A shrill, piercing whine escaped the writhing creature as it suddenly seemed to swell, pulsing with brilliant light. Then it exploded in a sparkling eruption that threw Gambit headlong across the rocky floor.
           "Good riddance t' bad rubbish," he muttered under his breath as he staggered back up and stubbornly reeled in Rogue's direction.

• • • • •

           Ye think that's got 'em scared--watch this!
           Grinning with delight, Proteus shifted reality yet again. The raging Samurai vanished in a swirl of red and gold that rapidly reformed into a gigantic dragon. Fire erupted from its fanged jaws and circled several of the slavers, forming an unbroken ring of living flames around them. Screeching in terror, the few remaining aliens broke and ran for the beach.
           Let them run, Jubilee thought with a vindictive grin. Those vicious shark-things out there between the islands would make short work of that cowardly vermin!
           And as for the rest...
           One by one, Proteus was melting their weapons into puddles, flapping his tremendous wings and roaring in outright triumph. He'd never had such a terrific chance to show off his powers before, and he was reveling in his own immense strength. Well, he had good reason to be proud of himself...
           ...but maybe he'd better settle down a little before Gambit's aliens decided that he was a threat and started shooting at him!
           Her anxious plea made Proteus roll his huge dragon-eyes in disgust. Just when he was really starting to have fun!
           Ah, well, but she was their team-leader. And like it or not, she did have a valid point.
           Shrugging, he morphed the living fire into unbreakable bands of thick metal, and bundled the aliens into a large, ungainly package. Then he shifted his own form again, shrinking until only Proteus remained, glowing gold against the rust-colored sand.
           Silence reigned in the clearing for several long moments. Then Gambit's two aliens edged out of the trees, weapons drawn, and warily edged past the two grinning teenagers.
           "They're all yours!" Jubilee invited, sweeping her arm out in a wide, expansive gesture. "And good riddance!"
           The smaller alien--a bizarre looking octopus-like creature--chittered something at her and flashed a wide spectrum of colors across the top of its head. For some reason, Jubilee got a definite sense of gratitude and approval from it. Must be all the 'happy' colors, she concluded, and its lilting, melodic tones. If only she could talk to it and find out what was really going on here--she felt like she'd come in halfway through a weird movie without any idea of what the plot was!
           Proteus startled her from her momentary reverie by touching her hand. C'mon, he urged. Let's go find the X-Men!
           He was right--she could still hear fighting from down in that big underground cave. She'd get her answers later. Right now her teammates needed her help!
           "Let's go!" she nodded. "See ya!" And she threw a mocking salute at the octopus-thing as its big partner fired at the aliens, and long glowing energy ropes began to encircle them.

• • • • •

           "Storm! Look out!" Wolverine threw himself to one side as one of the Llrrta shot in his direction. Damn, but those big laser guns were powerful! Reminded him of Cable's huge blaster, back on Earth! And from the looks of the crater it left in the floor behind him, it was even more lethal!
           A sudden chittering startled him, and he whirled around as an ominously familiar shape materialized from the shadows. A brood hiver--here? Those lousy cockroaches really got around!
           "I'll take this one!" he shouted over his shoulder. "You deal with Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-ugly!"
           Storm was too busy to muster a coherent reply. The giant lion-creatures were stalking her with all the cunning of their Terran counterparts. And their defenses were considerably more dangerous! She did not dare take to the air, lest one of them get a clear shot at her. Her best defense lay in striking from a distance.
           Lightning had stunned the biggest one back in the Nexus chamber...yet still she balked at the thought of causing them serious damage. The ancient legends were too deeply ingrained; her beliefs were too deeply rooted. She must find a way to imprison them without harming them!

• • • • •

           "You jus' don' give up, do ya?" Gambit demanded, scowling as the chunky alien polymorph circled back for another attempt. "Let's see what you change into dis time!" Then he grinned and spread his hands wide. "Won' matter--Gambit still gonna win! You ain't gonna git your hands on dose two gals while da X-Men are alive!"
           As long as he could stay between them, he had a better chance of deflecting whatever this critter threw at him. Huge slavering jaws, oozing tarry monster, giant bat-like pterodactyl...it did have a vivid imagination, he had to give it that. And, he had to admit, he kinda liked the challenge of not knowing what it was gonna change into next.
           But this game was starting to get old. Rogue needed him--he could feel her terror and anguish as she hovered by Carol Danvers' side. It was time to finish this, once and for all. That fist-sized chunk of crystal laying nearby would do just fine...
           Grinning, he lunged for the big rock and curled both hands around it. Heat rippled through his arms, flooding into the crystal, charging it into a lethal projectile. Then it was airborne, soaring through the shadows like a brilliant shooting star.
           The polymorph's eyes widened as it tried to dodge...but it was too close! Too late! And then the world erupted into a million agonizing fragments as the massive explosion threw it back into the wall one last time...

• • • • •

           Brilliant bursts of lightning flickered through the air, casting eerie shadows across the gnarled walls, as Storm reached deep into herself and spread her arms wide. "Forces of nature, heed my command!" she cried in a loud, ringing voice. "Scatter these demons like dust on the wind!"
           On cue, the damp cavern air began to swirl in wild, whirling patterns.
           Behind her, Wolverine danced aside, dodging the hiver's dangerous stinger. He'd been infected with their spores before, and it was not an experience he wanted to repeat!
           "Take that, you stinkin' parasite!" he yelled, slashing at the giant insect's long, weaving tail. An agonized yowl of protest escaped the enraged creature as his long adamantium claws sliced through its protective scales. "Hey, Storm! Catch!""
           Before the hiver could stagger away, he launched himself at it feet-first. The violent impact sent it sprawling back into Storm's raging cyclone. Its shriek of terror was instantly lost as it vanished into the maelstrom with the two struggling Llrrtan's.
           Her beautiful face contorted with strain, Storm rose into the air and maneuvered the tempest toward the nearest empty crystalline cell. Three bodies thudded against the interior wall and then slumped to the ground as a last fierce gust of wind lifted the open door and slammed it into place.
           The furious gale subsided with amazing speed as Storm dropped back to the ground and sagged to her knees, exhausted by her efforts. An instant later, Wolverine's strong hands were gently cupping her face. "You okay, darlin'?" he rasped, his voice husky with concern.
           Storm mustered a weary smile as she lifted her head and met his anxious gaze. For one brief moment, Mexico's blistering sun seemed to be beating down on them, renewing her flagging strength. Or was she feeling his own fiery energy coursing through her aching body, giving her new life?
           "I will recover, Logan," she assured him, affectionately curling her long fingers around his. "Do not concern yourself."
           His soft snort of disbelief brought a more genuine smile to her lips. "Poor Logan!" she teased, staggering to her feet. "Am I such a trial to you?"
           Wolverine rolled his eyes in exasperation. "More than you know, darlin'. More than you know!"
           Then he sobered as he glanced across the cavern. "Looks like we've got more trouble. C'mon," he murmured in a low, solemn voice.

• • • • •

           Jubilee skidded to a stop so suddenly that Proteus bumped into her and nearly knocked her down.
           The battle was already over--they were too late! But why was everyone so subdued? They'd won!
           Then she realized that everyone was gathering over in the near corner, their faces drawn with concern.
           Rogue...and Ms. Marvel?
           Surely they hadn't started fighting after all, not when the aliens were trying to kill them!
           Nae, she got hurt in th' battle, Proteus 'pathed in a low, cautious voice. Rogue tried t' save her but 'twas too late!
           She didn't bother asking who he'd gotten that tidbit from--he could lift information out of anyone's minds without them even knowing it. And anyway, it didn't matter. Everyone was probably radiating the same thing.
           She crept closer on silent feet, wide-eyed with sorrow. Behind her, Proteus activated his belt, and his golden glow vanished. Hand in hand, they quietly joined Wolverine and Storm and stared over Gambit's broad shoulder.
           Danvers was lying on the rocky floor, her mask askew, eyes closed in pain. And Rogue was bending over her, softly crying. As Jubilee inched closer, she realized that Rogue was whispering something in a hoarse, cracking voice. Of his own volition, Kevin echoed it in her mind, letting her hear more clearly.
           "...but I didn't know what would happen!" Rogue was insisting, her voice choked with anguish. "She wouldn't let me let go o' you! Don't you understand, I didn't mean for it to happen!"
           Danvers opened her eyes then, and the faintest trace of a smile seemed to curve her lips. "I know that now," she gasped, her voice raspy with agony.
           Then bitter hatred hardened her pale features again. "But it still doesn't matter! I'd rather die than be trapped inside you again. At least then I'll be free!"
           "But I'll find a way--I swear it!" Rogue protested. She'd already pulled her gloves off, and now her bare fingers clenched into fists as she leaned forward. "Please! You gotta let me try!"
           Danvers impotently glared up at her. "Why?" she rasped. "To ease your conscience?"
           Despite the tears flowing down her face, Rogue met her hostile gaze with stubborn determination. "I did somethin' wrong, and I gotta make it right again!" she insisted. "I cain't let you die!"
           Danvers stiffened as a savage jolt of pain lanced through her borrowed, broken body. "It doesn't matter now anyway," she breathed, wincing in agony. "It's too late..."
           "It ain't too late!" Rogue frantically cried. "Let me reabsorb you--I know I can keep you alive! I will find a way to bring ya back someday--I promise!"
           Hot tears flooded Jubilee's eyes as Rogue's voice hoarse cracked with emotion again. They'd come so far, fought their way through so many dangers...for this? So that one woman's pride could ruin so many people's lives?
           Beside her, Kevin stiffened, his eyes widening. Look! he 'pathed, his mental voice oddly triumphant.
           Danvers' body had gone slack again...was she really dead? Yet her slender arm was glowing with a faint, eerie light as her hand rose into the air, reaching for Rogue's with unerring precision! Dazzling radiance seemed to envelop them both as their fingers met, curled around each other, became one...
           ...and Rogue's slanting green eyes met Kevin's for one stunned instant before a lifetime of poignant memories flooded back into her mind, blinding her to everything else.
           Trees, grass, blue sky... A smiling bearded face bending over her, tickling her chubby feet... Laughter and music... A shy, towheaded little boy stammering out his first hello... Her first dance with Cody at the county fair... Their first kiss... Mystique... Xavier... Gambit...
           Thick and fast now, they poured into her with lightning-speed, an entire life relived in an instant. Laughter, sorrow, love...and strongest of all, Remy's smiling face as he bent down to kiss her while their preacher intoned in the background...
           'I now pronounce you husband and wife...'
           "I remember!" Rogue's soft voice seemed to ring through the huge cavern as she stared up at Gambit with wide, wondering eyes. "I remember everything!" Laughing with delight, she threw herself into his open arms. "Remy, I remember!"
           His reddish eyes glistening with unshed tears, Gambit bent to kiss her...
           ZAP!
           An unexpected surge of energy threw them apart, gasping in surprise. Stunned, they stared at each other in blank disbelief for several long seconds.
           "Remy?" Rogue's voice quavered with fear as she tentatively reached for his hand again. "What happened?"
           ZAP!
           Flinching, they jerked apart a second time.
           New tears flooded Rogue's eyes. "Why cain't I touch you?" she protested. "Remy, what's wrong?"
           A look of wary distrust on his face, Wolverine sniffed the air several times. "I dunno," he finally muttered, shaken. "It is our Gambit...and it ain't!"
           Storm spun around to stare at him, frowning with confusion. "What on earth do you mean, Logan? Surely you can tell the difference between our Gambit and an imposter!"
           Wolverine scowled right back at her. "I'm tellin' you, I don't know!" he snarled. "There's somethin' just a little different, somethin' that ain't quite right..."
           Gambit's eyes were haunted as he turned to stare at Mitros and Tarlok, who were just venturing down the rocky passageway. "Dey put me back t'gether somehow!" he explained, pointing in their direction. "Don' know how dey did it, but I saw da films o' what happened. Ain't no question 'bout it--I was dead!"
           "Could they have given you one of their host bodies, Gambit?" Storm urged. "I cannot think of anything else that might account for this!"
           Wolverine shook his head. "No, those things smelled different than he does. And yet..." Puzzled, he hesitated and sniffed again.
           Storm thoughtfully frowned. "Perhaps if they used cloned organs to substitute those that had been damaged." Then she shook her own head. "When we return home, Gambit, we must have Beast give you a thorough examination. He will know what has been done to you!"
           Gambit glared at her. "Yeah...but can he fix it?" he retorted.
           Rogue simply stared up at him, her slanting green eyes flooded with tears.

• • • • •

           "...and then Kevin activated the portal, and we came through!" Jubilee finished, her black eyes sparkling with excitement. "Man, what a ride that was! I can't wait to try it again!"
           "So it looks like Sinister's got the portal now," Wolverine grumbled, scraping his claws together. "That lousy maggot! If he figures out how to operate it, this place ain't never gonna be the same!"
           "Dere goes da neighborhood, eh, mon ami?" Gambit quipped. His fingers tightened around Rogue's, offering what reassurance he could, as she mustered a wan smile.
           Dieu, but it just wasn't fair--they'd gone through so much to get her memories back, and now they couldn't even touch each other again! Beast had to a way to fix whatever the aliens had done to him! If he couldn't...
           Storm rejoined them at that moment, Beast's multicorder in her hands. "I have been speaking with Mitros and Tarlok," she ventured, a curious smile lighting her dusky features. "It appears, Gambit, that they were under the impression that Kevin MacTaggert was your son!"
           "Say what?"   Jubilee burst into stunned laughter at the very thought. "Gambit, with kids?  C'mon, Storm, get real!"
           Wolverine rolled his eyes in a sardonic smirk. "How'd they reach that brilliant conclusion?" he scoffed.
           Storm's eyes twinkled with amusement. "They had nothing but physical characteristics to judge by," she explained, "and Kevin's hair is the same color as Gambit's!"
           The tall Irish lad rolled his eyes. "I've already got three fathers," he retorted, grinning. "Last thing I need's a fourth!"
           Wolverine snorted in disgust. "Huh! Be glad you ain't got two mums!" he countered. "That's the last thing you'd need!"
           Then he sobered and gestured at the dormant portal. "Well, anyone got any last words 'fore we head back? I don't know about you, but I've had about enough o' this place!"
           Storm smiled again and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Perhaps you should not be so hasty, Logan," she chided. "Even Tarlok was quite impressed with our abilities. They have assured me that we are free to return at any time, and that they would welcome our assistance in tracking down more criminals. Today's capture was only the tip of the iceberg, it seems."
           Kevin's eyes began to gleam with suppressed excitement. Jubilee promptly jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow. "Don't you even think of coming back here without me, Kevin MacTaggert!" she threatened.
           Wolverine sourly chuckled. "Looks like you're gonna have your hands full, kid!" he interjected. "I'm just glad it's not me!"
           "Oh, you!" Exasperated, Jubilee jammed her fists on her hips and glared at the wiry Canadian mutant. "Just wait 'til we get home! I'll show you a thing or two!"
           Wolverine grinned and rasped his long claws together. "Promises, promises!" he taunted.
           Mention of home made Storm frown again. "Yes, we must be going, and soon," she urged. "We cannot allow Sinister to access the sacred portal! The results could be disastrous! Kevin, if you would be so kind..."
           His chest swelling with pride, Kevin focused his powerful mind on the portal, and an eerie opalescent glow began to form in its center. "O' course, ye know we're prob'ly walkin' straight into a trap," he reminded them as they took their places and glowing beams of light surrounded them.
           Jubilee linked her fingers through his, and tossed him a jaunty grin. "I'm ready for anything!" she exclaimed. "C'mon, let's go!"

Click here to read Episode VII of
"The Sphinx Saga" - "Games Mutants Play"

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