Chapter 4- Gambit
Remy leaned against the brick wall surrounding the grounds of his uncle’s mansion. He had his hands in the pockets of his trench coat as he watched the others try to work out a strategy to get inside. Professor Xavier was in deep conversation with Logan, Ororo, Scott and Jean. The other students, Kitty, Evan, Kurt and Alex, all had their eyes fixed on Remy as if they didn’t trust him. Remy turned away from their suspicious gazes and pulled something out of his pocket, a deck of cards. He pulled the cards out of the pack and began to shuffle them wildly in his hands. Then, he looked back towards the group of students watching him and said playfully, "Anyone for a game of 21?"
Kitty sighed in disgust and turned away. The rest of them obviously got the message and broke off to listen to the plan as it developed. A smile began to spread over Remy’s face. He always had a knack for getting under the skin of just about anyone; rather he tried to or not. However, it was different with Rogue. She wasn’t annoyed by him, but seemed to enjoy his company. Then, the smile faded once he realized that he had betrayed her. The feelings she obviously had for him were gone, and it was his fault. Would he ever find anyone like her again? Did he want to?
"All right, kiddies gather ‘round," said Logan. Everyone turned their full attention towards Logan. However, Remy found himself marveling at the clothes these guys were wearing. They all were sporting a variety of jumpsuits with different colors and designs; however, all of them displayed an "X" in some fashion. A smirk slid across Remy’s face as declared to himself that he wouldn’t be caught dead in such a ridiculous get-up.
"Here’s the deal," began Logan, "Storm’s goin’ to lay us some cover with a little fog. Then, we cross the lawn and come in from three sides. Scott, you and Jean cover the entrance by the pool house. Storm’s going to take Kitty and Kurt through the back door. Evan, you’re with me, we’re going through the front.
"Nothing like the direct approach, huh Logan?" said Evan as he stepped forward.
"Wait, what about me?" said Alex.
"Alex, you should stay here," said Scott. "You haven’t got much field experience. I don’t want you getting hurt."
"Come on, man!" protested Alex. "I can take care of myself. Please, let me help."
Scott looked from his brother towards the Professor. "Very well Alex. You will accompany Logan and Evan, but be careful," said the Professor. A smile began to spread over Alex’s face as he stepped towards the rest of his group. Alex looked down at his new suit. It was very much like his brother’s suit, except that it was black instead of blue, and he was wearing black gloves and boots instead of yellow ones, like Scott.
Storm rose into the air as the wind lifted her above the others. Remy watched, astonished, as the color of her eyes disappeared and were replaced with only white. She spread he arms wide and Remy watched amazed as fog began to appear as if from nowhere and cloud the grounds making it almost impossible to see.
"All right, X-Men, let’s move!" said Logan, as he pulled the cowl over his head. Remy watched as the students trampled towards the gate only to stop once they saw it open automatically. "Look’s like we lost the element of surprise!" The students scrambled out of the way as a large figure came crashing down the driveway. The huge behemoth ran right through the students and crashed into Wolverine sending him flying off against the van. Wolverine’s body slid to the ground to reveal a huge dent in the side of the vehicle.
The large figure turned around, and was immediately recognized. "Tusk?!" said Remy as he took a few steps forward. It was the mutant from the beach, who had the large tusks emerging from his back. He towered over the X-Men, and as they had just seen, was extremely powerful.
Tusk paid no attention to Remy. Instead he was focusing on the rest of his targets. The X-Men were all in attack positions. Storm still hovered in the air, and the other X-Men had formed a semi-circle around Tusk ready to attack. Even Wolverine was starting to get to his feet.
"Game over, pal" said Cyclops. "You’re out numbered. So, why don’t you give up, and save us all the trouble of kicking your…." Cyclops was immediately silenced as something grasped on to his face. The others looked at it to find that it was a much smaller version of Tusk, standing about two feet tall. A red beam began to glow around the belly of the little beast as he continued to grip the head of the young mutant. After a few seconds, the beam erupted sending the miniature monster flying into the distance.
"What was that?!" asked Evan.
"I don’t know," replied Kurt, "but here come more of them." Everyone turned to see large fur balls erupting from Tusk’s back. As the fur balls hit the ground, they began to take forms similar to Tusk. Within seconds, the ground was literally covered with dozens of miniature Tusks.
"Eww! That is just gross!" said Kitty. Then, a pair of mini-Tusks turned their attention to her. Their mouths opened to reveal small, but sharp teeth. The mini-Tusks began to run towards Kitty, who found herself only able to scream and run.
The rest of the mini-Tusks went after the other X-Men. Cyclops found himself firing optic blast in every direction, as he attempted to keep the mini-Tusks at a distance. Havok found himself doing the same as his brother. The cosmic energy from his hands was also flying in every direction as the mini-Tusks merely danced around his volley of blasts. Four mini-Tusks leaped in the air to grab onto Jean, but they found themselves suspended in mid-air before Jean tossed them back towards some of their approaching friends, knocking them all to the ground.
***
Meanwhile, Spyke found himself launching small bony spikes at the mini-Tusks. However, the mini-Tusks began to pick up the spikes that missed and threw them back at Spyke. He ran and hid behind a tree, as the miniature darts soared past him. "Man, this is like fighting gremlins! How are we supposed to beat these things when they keep multiplying?!"
"We take out the source!" said Wolverine as leaped into the air, and onto Tusk’s back. The huge behemoth reached back and pulled Wolverine off, before throwing him against the brick wall surrounding the mansion grounds. Then, Tusk felt a heavy bolt of lightning land directly in his chest. He fell to one knee and looked into the sky. Storm had lowered herself and fired another bolt of lightning at Tusk.
"Good Storm, I can take it from here," said Wolverine as he leaped towards Tusk again. However, Tusk grabbed the Wolverine and swung him at Storm, knocking them both from the sky and to the ground.
"You X-Men are pathetic!" taunted Tusk. He looked on as the miniature copies of himself wreaked havoc on the students. Then, Tusk’s gaze fell on Professor Xavier. He moved towards the Professor who started to wheel away from the oncoming behemoth. "And where do you think you’re going?" Tusk reached down and lifted the Professor into the air.
The Professor fixed his hand against his temple and attempted to use his telepathic powers. However, another mini-Tusk erupted from the back of Tusk and began to pound away on the Professor’s head as Tusk carried him through the gate and towards the mansion.
"They’ve got, Charles," snarled Wolverine. The mutant quickly got to his feet. He looked down at Storm, whom was unconscious. The rest of the team was busy. Wolverine started to pursue Tusk, but just as he reached the gate, about a dozen mini-Tusks appeared out of nowhere and jumped Wolverine, bringing him to the ground. The mini-Tusks continued to pummel Wolverine as their master made his escape towards the mansion.
***
Rogue began to awaken. She opened her eyes and found a sheet of curved glass in front of her. She looked through the glass and found that she was still in the lab, but no one was in sight. Rogue started to bang on the glass trying to find any possible way to escape. However, her attempt came to a halt as Dr. Essex appeared in front of her.
"Ah, so you are awake my dear. Excellent," he said as turned to walk away from the tube that was holding Rogue. He paused as he reached one of the computer terminals and let his hands dance over the keys. "I have been reviewing you genetic structure, my dear. I have to admit that it is fascinating. Your powers are extraordinary." He smiled and turned his attention back to Rogue. "And I can help you with your little curse Rogue. I can alter your powers so that you can control your little touch." Dr. Essex smiled as he saw a hint of hope spark in Rogue’s eyes.
"There is a price to pay, however my dear. You merely have to prove your loyalty to me," he said. Then, Dr. Essex pressed another button on the computer. A panel on the far wall slid open, and Tusk walked in with Professor Xavier over his shoulder. The huge mutant walked towards Dr. Essex. "Tusk, place the Professor in that chair and make sure he’s secure." Tusk did as he was told, and the mini-Tusk that had attacked the Professor followed his lead. As he placed the Professor in the chair, Rogue noticed that the Professor had scratches all over his head, and a small trail of blood rolling from his lip.
Dr. Essex pressed another button and the glass in front of Rogue slid away. She looked at the Professor with concern, and then back at Dr. Essex. "Kill him. Kill Professor Xavier, and I will help you, Rogue."
Rogue gasped as the words fell upon her ears. She stepped out of the tube and walked towards Dr. Essex. "Think of it, Rogue. You have the chance to touch another soul and not harm them. Can you truly go your entire life without feeling the touch of another? Can you survive the agony that you will endure? I’m giving you the chance to change that, Rogue. All you have to do, is give the Professor this." She looked down in his hands and found a syringe fill with some liquid. Surprisingly to both herself and Dr. Essex, she took the syringe into her hands.
"Go on, Rogue," urged Dr. Essex. "Do it!"
Rogue turned and walked towards the Professor. She gazed into his eyes and saw the pain on his face. She turned away and looked back towards Dr. Essex, he simply nodded and urged her to go on. Her view then fell upon Tusk and the mini-Tusk, whom were both standing only a few feet away with his arms folded, staring at her. Rogue then looked back at the Professor and felt the tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I’m sorry, Professor," she sobbed. Then Rogue raised the syringe high into the air.
"Yes!" cheered Dr. Essex. "Do it, Rogue! End your misery!"
Rogue started to bring the syringe down onto Professor Xavier, but then immediately threw the syringe towards the mini-Tusk. The syringe landed directly in the small monster’s chest. He grabbed the syringe and fell to the floor. Rogue picked up a nearby beaker, containing some green bubbling liquid and threw it at Dr. Essex. The beaker shattered as it met his crossed arms shielding his face. However, the liquid managed to seep through his hands and onto his face. Dr. Essex began to howl as if he was in pain.
Rogue then, tried to grab to release the Professor, but found herself seized and hoisted into the air by Tusk. Rogue could feel the air being squeezed out of her lungs. She looked down and noticed the Professor had closed his eyes. He must be trying to use his powers to help her. Suddenly, a blast of energy hit the Professor directly in the head and he began to shriek in pain.
"Come now, Charles. The pain will subside once you stop resisting," said Dr. Essex from the shadows. Rogue saw the pain die from the Professor’s face as it was replaced by fear.
"My powers?!" said the Professor.
"Have been temporarily neutralized. This weapon has that startling affect on mutants. It definitely comes in handy when facing an opponent like yourself, Charles," explained Essex. "It’s over Charles, and you’ve lost." Dr. Essex stepped into the light, and everyone gazed upon his face. It was now white. His lips were black, and his eyes were red and matched a diamond mark upon his forehead.
"Nathaniel?" said the Professor in awe as he gazed up at the scientist.
"No, Charles," began Dr. Essex. "Nathaniel Essex is no more. And the eyes of the world he was seen as nothing more than a radical scientist that had little hope of success. I am no longer that man. Now, you may call me… Mr. Sinister."
"You want get away with this, Sinister. My X-Men will stop you," said the Professor.
"Oh really, Charles. Your X-Men are upstairs trying to survive the onslaught of a cadre of soldiers only two feet tall! If they had any chance of defeating me they would be here now," said Sinister. "Any gambit you had to succeed has surely failed you by now!"
"I wouldn’t say dat," said a voice from behind. Sinister turned to see a volley of glowing objects heading straight towards him. Each one of them hit their mark as they nailed Sinister directly in his chest and exploded, sending him to the floor. Remy came racing out of the shadows with his staff in his hand and a handful of glowing playing cards in the other. Tusk released Rogue, and started after Remy. Remy launched the cards at Tusk. These cards exploded before reaching Tusk. The flash temporarily blinded the giant mutant as he continued towards Remy. The Cajun teen slipped his staff in front of Tusk’s feet causing the mutant to trip and hit the floor with a loud thud. The force of Tusk’s fall caused the stasis tube to roll over and hit Tusk and the head, leaving him unconscious.
Remy ran to Rogue and helped her to her feet. "Rogue, are you okay?" he asked. Rogue looked into Remy’s eyes. Part of her wanted to grab him and never let go. The other simply wanted to strangle the life out of him.
"Come on, we have to help the Professor," she said as she walked past him to the Professor. Remy sighed and turned to help release the Professor. Once they got him loose, they each took one of his arms and threw it around their shoulders. They moved through the lab and the passageway and to the library in silence. As they turned the doorknob and opened the door, they found Sinister waiting on the other side. Rogue and Remy stumbled backward, carrying the weight of the Professor.
"Leaving so soon?" asked Sinister. They each looked into Sinister’s eyes. They backed away as far as possible. Remy removed the Professor’s arm from his shoulder and stepped forward. He pulled more playing cards from inside his trench coat. As he took them into his hand, they began to glow. Remy threw the cards at Sinister. Nearly every one of them made their mark and exploded. Sinister stumbled backwards only laughing. The wounds began to simply heal themselves almost immediately. "Fools! Did you really think that you could stop me?!
"Charles, if this was your gambit, your last chance to stop me, then I’m afraid that you’ve failed. Once I’ve eliminated all of you, there’s nothing to stop me from going on with my super mutant project now that I have the DNA."
"Had!" spat Remy holding the samples in his hand. "While you were trying to convince Rogue to help you, I erased the data on the computer and grabbed this." Remy charged the bag and threw the glowing bag into the air before it exploded. Sinister’s eyes fell upon the ashes as the fell to the ground.
"You little brat! After all that I’ve done for you... Remy how could you?" said Sinister.
"Hey, you said it yourself," began Remy. "De name’s Gambit. Remember it!"
"I will not tolerate either of your existences any longer." Sinister raised his hands and aimed them towards Rogue, Remy and the Professor as he prepared to erase them from existence.
***
The two mini-Tusks continued to chase Shadowcat through the trees. Shadowcat looked up ahead and saw a large tree. She phased as her body, and ran directly through the tree. The mini-Tusks pursuing her tried to do the same, but smashed into the tree and fell to the ground. Shadowcat’s head reappeared as it emerged from the tree. She looked down, to find that the mini-Tusks had been reduced to ashes. Then, Shadowcat looked up to see another mini-Tusk swinging from a vine heading directly towards her. She pulled her head back inside the tree as the third mini-Tusk collided with the tree. He too fell to the ground as a pile of ashes.
"Hey, guys!" cried Shadowcat as she headed back towards her friends. "If we hit these guys with enough force, the change into a pile of ashes!"
"Thanks, Kitty!" called Cyclops. "All right, X-Men, you heard her! Hit these things with everything you’ve got!" Cyclops turned his attention to the half dozen mini-Tusks approaching him. The one in the front tried to rush Cyclops, and Cyclops released a beam so wide and powerful that the single mini-Tusk fell as a pile of ashes.
"Uh-oh!" chimed the mini-Tusks as the looked at their fallen comrade. As the turned their attention back to Cyclops, a large optic blast engulfed them all. Once the red beam disappeared, the only thing remaining was five piles of ashes.
Four mini-Tusks had Nightcrawler surrounded. They each crept closer and closer, prepared to pounce the furry, blue X-Man. All of a sudden the jumped, and Nightcrawler teleported. The mini-Tusks collided with each other and fell to the ground as a pile of ashes. Nightcrawler reappeared a few feet away with a smile on his face.
A few mini-Tusks were chasing Spyke. However, their pursuit was short lived, because Jean hoisted them into the air with here telekinetic powers. "Hey, Evan how about some batting practice?"
Evan produced a thick bone club and lined himself up with Jean. One by one, she tossed a mini-Tusk in Evan’s direction as he swung his club and reduced the mini-Tusks to ashes.
Havok started to blast away at the pile that was covering Wolverine. Once the mini-Tusks saw their pals getting reduced to ashes, they started to bolt. Wolverine managed to grab a couple of them, and smashed them together. The rest were simply target practice for Cyclops and Havok, especially since they both seemed determined to aim for the rear ends of the mini-Tusks.
"All right, now that we’ve dealt with the pests, let’s head inside and get rid of the big rat!" said Wolverine. "Scott, Jean, you two are with me. The rest of you stay with Storm, and make sure no one gets away!"
Wolverine led the way to the mansion. When they entered the mansion, they could see Sinister standing in a doorway as he said, "I will not tolerate either of your existences any longer."
Cyclops took careful aim and fired an optic blast that nailed Sinister in his side, just under his rib cage. He grasped the wound and yelled in pain. The wound didn’t heal as the others had done. Instead, his skin appeared to be oozing out of his hands as he covered the wound. Sinister turned to see who the assailant was. "Summers?!" he whispered to himself. Then, he decided to make a run for it, and disappeared into an adjacent door.
Wolverine raced across the hall to find the others in the library. "Jean, help them outside. Scott and I are going after Clown-face!" Wolverine and Scott started towards the door, but were halted by Jean’s warning.
"No, we have to get out of here! He’s activated some sort of self-destruct sequence," said Jean as she removed her hands from her temples. With a grunt of dissatisfaction, Wolverine went inside the library and lifted Charles into his arms. Cyclops helped Gambit to his feet as he and Rogue supported him as the raced out the front door.
Once they exited the mansion, it became engulfed in flames. They all stared at the scene of destruction in awe. "Do you think he survived?" asked Cyclops.
"I don’t sense him," said Jean as she stepped closer to Cyclops, who wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.
"He’s alive," said Gambit. "Trust me, he’s alive."
***
Xavier’s students were all carrying their suitcases as they walked across the lobby and headed towards the airport shuttle outside. "Rogue, go and make sure that we don’t any messages before we leave," said the Professor. Rogue nodded and headed towards the front desk. The receptionist went the their box and pulled out something, but was quite puzzled. The receptionist returned and handed Rogue a playing card, explaining that it was the only thing she found. Rogue turned the card over, it was the queen of hearts. Rogue immediately turned to search the lobby, but couldn’t see any one.
Rogue held the card in her hand, and started to approach the door. Then, she felt someone come up next to her. She turned and saw Remy. He was also carrying a duffel bag in his hand. He dropped the back on the floor and looked into Rogue’s eyes. He started to caress her hair softly.
"Remy, I…" began Rogue. However, Remy held up his hand to silence Rogue.
"Just live for de moment, Cher," whispered Remy.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"Back to New Orleans. Fix t’ings wit my pops," he said. He pulled his hand away from her hair, knowing what the next question was."
"Will I see you again?" asked Rogue.
Remy smiled as he looked into Rogue’s eyes. He could see the hope, the love in her eyes. "Nothin’ could stop me from seeing you again, Rogue. Nothin’." Rogue turned away as she heard the horn of the airport shuttle blow.
"Listen, Remy, why don’t…." began Rogue. She turned back around, but Remy was nowhere in sight. She looked all around the lobby, but still couldn’t find him. She stared at the card in her hand once again. The Queen of Hearts. Rogue lifted her suitcase and headed towards the airport shuttle, knowing in her heart, she would see Remy again.