Professor Xavier took Rogue's gloved hand into his, squeezing it gently,
sending an unspoken message to the young woman that she wasn't the only
member of the X-Men suffering from guilt for recent sins. She knew the
professor still blamed himself for the destruction he caused as Onslaught.
Xavier had called the X-Men together to reveal what she had just
confessed to him. She nervously swallowed, waiting for him to speak.
Instead, he appeared to be receiving a telepathic message. He worriedly
glanced at Jean, who apparently received the same message, who shook her
head in a negative motion. Whatever had happened, it had left both telepaths
mystified.
"Scott and Storm are on their way back to the mansion with some guests,"
Xavier revealed. He folded his hands on top of his lap. With a serious
expression, he glanced towards Rogue.
"Since my return three days ago, several of you have spoken to me
privately about the incident in Antarctica. While I understand the emotional
backlash of discovering Remy's part in the Morlock massacre, I do not
condone the actions many of you played at his trial, if you were to even
call it a trial. Redemption is something the X-Men have always stood for,
not vigilantism." He then looked at everyone in the room, taking his time as
he stared at each of his students. "If you were put on trial for your past
crimes, would your peers judge you as acrimoniously as you did Gambit?"
For several seconds, the room remained quiet. Jean finally spoke,
"Professor, I wasn't there but I understand why Warren and the others were
upset. Remy should have told us the truth, not kept it a secret from us the
way he did."
"Jean, it was not a secret to me. Remy told me the whole dirty truth, but
only after I promised not to reveal that information to the rest of the
team," Xavier said.
His confession caused several to gasp. "He was still new to the team and
feared expulsion. He already faced that reality once in New Orleans, and
didn't want to risk it happening again. I understood and did as he
requested. It was no more than what I've done in the past for many of you."
"It seems his reasons were justified," Jean said. She turned to Rogue and
asked, "Rogue, I know you said Remy didn't return with the others, but if
you could tell us where he is, the professor could send someone to talk with
him. If only to let him know we still care."
Rogue opened her mouth, wanting desperately to tell the truth but fear
kept her from doing so. Not even the Professor knew the whole truth and
Xavier would never probe her mind without her consent.
Xavier sensed her distress. "I have tried repeatedly to pinpoint Remy's
location but have been unable to do so. There were times I honestly believed
Remy was still in Antarctica, but I now know that would be impossible." He
sighed, regret showing in his eyes. "Now, I can no longer determine if
he..."
Rogue lowered her head, and Jean asked what several were thinking.
"Professor, is he..."
"He's still alive Jean," Xavier revealed. As Rogue closed her eyes and
released the breath she had been holding, the professor continued. "Gambit
was always difficult to read, but since Onslaught, my powers are not as
strong as they once were. Yet, now there seems to be some powerful presence
that is blocking me from making contact."
"I know who's behind that presence, Mr. Xavier." The voice of Prism
answered, causing the X-Men gathered in the room to turn in his direction.
Several gasped at seeing him with Vertigo as Scott, Beast, Bobby, and Storm
escorted them inside their home.
Wolverine was keeping them within striking distance, carefully watching
the two Marauders' every move.
The male Marauder nervously finished his bold statement, "It's Sinister.
He went to Antarctica to get--"
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!" Warren screamed in pure rage. Clinching his
hands into fists, Angel didn't allow the Marauder a chance to explain. He
charged Prism. Vengeance had been too long in coming and nothing was going
to stop him from seeking it now.
"Warren, stop!" Jean commanded, hoping her friend would heed her words
before he did something he would regret but Angel ignored her, dashing her
hopes for a peaceful solution to the spiraling situation.
Forced to use the only option that guaranteed everyone's safety, Jean
brought a hand to her forehead, employing her gift of telepathy to stop the
winged X-Man.
Realizing he couldn't move his legs, Warren cursed and turned his head to
give Jean a dirty look. "They probably have their friends outside waiting to
ambush us. Let me go!"
"Scott told me he was bringing them." Jean was quick to offer an
explanation. "Give him a chance to explain."
"What's the matter with you, Scott?" Angel shouted at Cyclops, furious at
the X-Men leader for inviting killers into their home without consulting the
group. Again, he tried to move his legs, but he knew the effort was useless.
Jean Grey still controlled his movements.
Frustrated over his lack of control, Warren vented his anger on Prism and
Vertigo, wasting no time in expressing his opinion. "Be thankful I no longer
have my metallic wings, Marauders, or both of you would be dead by now."
"X-Men do not kill, Warren." Xavier was quick to add.
Prism held up his hands, making the gesture of peaceful surrender.
"Worthington, I know you have reasons to hate the Marauders, but Vertigo and
I are no longer members."
"Where have I heard that one before?" Angel glared at the so-called
ex-Marauder. He laughed sarcastically. "You and LeBeau must be reading the
same book."
"This has gone on long enough." Scott stepped in between Angel and Prism,
separating the two men. He stared at his friend, "Warren, you know me. I
would never strike a deal with anyone unless I had an ulterior motive that
would help the team."
"And that would be?" Warren asked, unconvincingly.
Sighing, Cyclops turned to the ex-Marauder, knowing there was no
reasoning with Warren. "Prism, I've kept my word. It's time you fulfilled
your end of the bargain. I want Sinister's contacts, his bases, and his
hidden agenda, just as you offered in return for sanctuary."
McCoy clasped his hands together, nodding towards the two guests.
"Fearless Leader, being the gracious hosts the X-Men are so well known for,
shouldn't we allow our guests a chance to rest and clean up before you bore
them with one of your long interrogation sessions."
"Hank!" Cyclops gasped in disbelief, shocked his friend would say such a
thing and even more so in front of others. He expected an insulting remark
from Bobby, but never thought to hear it from the easy-going doctor.
"Scott, Hank's right and you know it." Jean teased, as her husband's face
grew redder. She moved by his side and turned to Vertigo. "I know you must
be tired. I'll show you to a room where you can freshen up and rest if you
like."
"Go with her," Prism told her in a compassionate voice, the X-Men had
never heard before. "Phoenix will protect you from Sinister. He can't get
you here. I give you my word."
"I trust only you, my husband." Vertigo quickly left his side and
followed Jean upstairs.
"Husband?" Several of the X-Men uttered in unison.
"Yes, one of several reasons we fled Sinister. Essex didn't know about
our relationship. As soon as he discovered it, he went psychotic." Prism
revealed, "Now considered failures, Sinister demanded our cooperation in our
deaths. When Vertigo and I refused, he labeled us traitors and placed a
bounty on our heads in which the Marauders were all but ready to collect."
"And if I know Sinister, and I do," Xavier cut in, "He wants both of you
destroyed, am I correct?"
"Yes, Mr. Xavier." Prism answered, looking at Angel, "And it looks as if
he might not be alone in that thinking."
"Scott has promised you sanctuary. As X-Men, our word is our bond. Your
safety is guaranteed." Xavier declared, wheeling his chair closer to Prism.
"You are certain, Sinister specifically mentioned Antarctica?"
Prism nodded, leaving Xavier shaking his head. "I fear he's either
searching for or has found Remy. The question is, why?"
"I think it's obvious." Warren sneered. "Gambit's a Marauder."
Rogue glared at Angel, her green eyes quickly narrowing, indicating her
patience was wearing thin. "Ah'm warnin' ya, Warren."
"I'm only telling the truth, Rogue." Warren stated, his wings twitching
behind him as if he would take to the air any second. He pointed an accusing
finger at her. "You would realize it too if you ever decide to grow up."
"Mebbe ya need t' follow yer own advice, Worthington." Wolverine reached
into his shirt pocket, pulled out a long Cuban cigar, and spit the tip off
at Scott's booted foot. He ignored the angry glare Cyclops shot him.
"Ya got this nasty habit of believin' yer better than some of th' others.
WELL YA AIN'T!" Logan looked at the professor and with a gleam in his eyes,
said. "Chuck why don'tcha tell yer choir boys th' real reason ya wanted
Gumbo and me as yer X-Men."
"There were times when certain information was needed," Xavier
reluctantly began, "and only certain individuals could acquire that
information."
"Stop sugar coating it," Logan demanded, angrily.
He glanced at Angel and Cyclops, the two men needed a good ass kicking,
and he was more than willing to do the job. It was time they realized the
world didn't revolve around them, nor did Xavier operate his business in
plain view of his students.
"Xavier needed someone besides myself who wasn't afraid o' getting' their
hands dirty. Somethin' th' two o' you wouldn' know anythin' about, if ya get
my meaning. Gumbo didda lot of things for th' professor that only he an' I
knew about."
"What?" Scott's shouted, astonished at hearing Logan's news for the first
time. He turned to his mentor. "Professor, why wasn't I informed? I am team
leader after all."
"What th' matter, Summers, jealous? Teacher's pet doesn't know
everything?" Logan laughed at that thought. Next to hating Creed, his
favorite past time was needling Cyclops.
He knew Summers hated the teasing, which made it that much more
enjoyable. "Seems th' black sheep o' th' X-Men are a lot more valuable t'
this team than th' two o' you are willin' to admit."
"Logan, I've never doubted your abilities or Remy's." Scott began,
defending his past actions. Not that he felt he had to, but it seemed
Wolverine was always on his case about something and Scott resented it.
In a calming breath, he added, "It's your methods that I've found
questionable."
"I ain't bendin' over backwards t' prove my worth to this team."
Wolverine walked out of the room, smoke blowing out of his mouth as he
headed towards the door. "Both o' you can kiss my..."
"Logan, please. Such language is not necessary, nor is the foul smell
from that nasty cigar." Storm waved her hand in a circular motion, creating
a small gust of wind to clear the smoke Logan's cigar had produced. "Forgive
the distraction, Professor. I believe Prism was about to tell us about
Remy."
"You mean a Marauder was about to tell on a fellow Marauder, don't you?"
Warren viciously added.
Rogue pounded her fist into her palm. "That's it!"
‘POW'
Angel's body flew across the room without the aid of his wings, or the
benefit of a gentle landing as his body slammed into the wall.
"Rogue!" Bobby's hand flew to his mouth. Scott wasn't sure if it was to
conceal his shock or to cover a laugh.
"Goddess! Control yourself, child." Storm placed her hand on the younger
woman's shoulder. "Hitting Warren served no purpose."
"Wanna bet? It sure made me feel bettah." Rogue shouted, angrily shaking
Storm's hand off her shoulder. She glared at Warren. "Ah warned ya, Angel."
Scott noticed the gash on Warren's cheek as he helped his friend to his
feet. He turned to Angel's attacker and tried his best to control his own
anger. "Rogue, X-Men do not attack each other. We're family."
"Well, you can be sure Ah'll smack him upside his ugly head every time he
calls Remy a Marauder." Rogue warned, taking a step closer to the two men.
Jean cleared her throat and tapped a finger to her forehead. The unspoken
threat was enough to make Rogue halt any further attempt to confront Warren.
"LeBeau isn't a Marauder, never was," Prism replied, pensively, somewhat
skeptical of the actions by some of the X-Men.
He heard footsteps and gasped. Prism turned and saw Worthington
approaching him. Taking a step backward, he made sure he had room to defend
himself if he had to.
"No, he just got all of you together, led you down into the Morlock
tunnels, and threw a picnic." Angel glanced at the angry woman glaring at
him. "Rogue, I let you strike me once, I won't allow it again. Don't make me
hurt you."
"Are ya drunk?" Rogue laughed, sarcastically. "Ya couldn't even hurt mah
shadow."
"Look, I don't know what you two are arguing about, but LeBeau was never
a Marauder. No offense, but he couldn't make the cut." The man looked at the
two warring X-Men, searching for an answer. "Who said he was?"
"Remy did." Rogue turned her attention to Prism. Her anger quickly
disappeared after hearing the man's announcement, her voice started to
quiver. "He said a lot of things at that trail. Horrible things."
"So, that was the reason you deserted him?" Prism asked.
"Wha..."Rogue snapped her head up in bewilderment and locked eyes with
Prism. "How did ya know ‘bout that?"
Running his hand through his hair, Prism slowly sat down in a nearby
chair. "Let me explain this the best way I can." He glanced at Angel.
"Maybe, you better sit down yourself."
"I would rather stand. I could care less what a stinking Marauder has to
say about another mar----"
Rogue cracked her knuckles, moving closer to her prey.
"Rogue." Scott warned. He felt as if he were refereeing a wrestling
match.
Rogue shook a fist in Warren's direction. "Ya gotta death wish, ya flyin'
fool?"
"All right, Rogue, I promise I won't say another word about Gambit."
Warren said. "In fact, the less I hear his name mentioned the better I like
it."
"Prism, please continue," Xavier told the man. There was no mistaking the
irritation in the professor's voice. "You will not be interrupted again. And
if anyone tries, they will answer to me."
"As I was saying Remy LeBeau was never a Marauder. Sure he ate, slept and
associated with us, but unlike the rest of us, LeBeau was allowed to come
and go as he pleased." Hearing several around him mumble, Prism nervously
swallowed the lump in his throat and continued, settling his glaze on
Xavier. Right then, the professor was the only person in the room who had a
friendly face.
"One day, Essex summoned the Marauders to his throne room. He claimed the
gene pool needed cleansing, beginning with underground population. Instead
of teleporting us to our usual destination, Sinister wanted LeBeau on this
mission, and demanded that he be the one to lead us into the tunnels. A few
protested, but Sinister promised LeBeau's leadership would only be
temporary, just long enough to get us into the tunnels and then Scalphunter
would take control. LeBeau was told the mission was for scouting purposes,
nothing more. Why the deception, we never knew, nor were we stupid enough to
ask."
"Did Remy know Sinister planned genocide for the Morlocks?" Storm asked,
almost pleading for an answer. It was a known fact that Ororo blamed herself
for the Morlocks fate. As their leader, she believed she had failed to
protect them. Her blue-cat eyes studied Prism, searching for answers that
had long ago escaped her. "Please, I must know the truth."
"It won't change the past, Ororo." Rogue took Storm's hand into her
gloved one, squeezing it gently. "Ah know Ah done some bad things in mah
life but ya've done nothin' wrong, Sugah. Ya gotta stop blamin' yourself for
somethin' ya had no control over."
"Storm, you couldn't have stopped us if you tried. Nobody but the
Marauders, including Sabretooth, and Sinister knew what was going to
happen," Prism said. "Sinister isn't stupid. Revealing his intentions would
have destroyed his purposes for the mission."
Storm lifted her head, appearing as if the weight of the world had been
lifted off her shoulders. "Then Remy didn't know?"
"No, but when Sabretooth met us at the tunnel entrance, LeBeau started to
get suspicious. Scalphunter knew LeBeau had been accessing the boss' data
files, and used that knowledge to convince him that Creed had been hired to
assassinate someone who had broken into the boss' lab, killing three of his
associates while stealing some research files for some adversary. It seemed
to pacify LeBeau long enough to unlock the tunnel door."
"What happened?" Storm asked, "The Morlocks always guarded the door from
the other side. There should have been time to warn the others."
"Once the door was unlocked, Scalphunter shoved LeBeau out of the way and
all hell broke loose. The Morlock guarding the door never even had a chance
to scream a warning. Scalphunter blew his head off and the rest of the
Marauders followed his example." Prism regretfully answered, recalling the
events that started the massacre. "Creed and Scalphunter turned the place
into their own personal killing gallery. The look on LeBeau's face when it
started happening...."
"Sick." Rogue spoke softly, completing his thought. "Overwhelming guilt."
Everyone looked at her, wondering how she could have known. The young
woman wasn't in the tunnels when the massacre took place. She quickly
explained.
"Ah nevah told anybody but when we were in Antarctica, Ah touched Remy
an' absorbed his memories. Ah felt what he felt an' saw what he saw. It was
horrible. Th' things he saw that day made me wanna throw up."
She wrapped her arms around herself; shut her eyes tight and paused,
recalling those painful memories that weren't her own. "Th' guilt for
surviving when so many others had died was so overwhelming, Ah felt as if Ah
was drownin'. Ah couldn' even breathe."
"Why did you not tell us that you had touched Remy and absorbed his
memories?" Storm accusing voice caused Rogue to open her eyes. "This
knowledge would have answered many questions instead of leaving us to form
our own conclusions."
"Storm, Ah wanted ta tell ya but...."
"I want to know the answer to that one too, Rogue, but it can wait until
later." Scott interrupted, concerned over Storm's growing animosity.
If Ororo lost control of her emotions, it would create havoc with the
weather system. He hoped turning the conversation back to Prism; it would
defuse the tensed atmosphere before things got out of hand. "I'm more
interested in what Prism has to tell us."
Storm glanced back at him, seemingly understanding Cyclops' actions. She
slowly nodded in acceptance and relaxed to her former regal stance.
The situation now defused, Scott turned back to the matter at hand. "I'm
willing to believe what you're saying about Remy because I know how Sinister
works. He could and would use both blackmail and Remy's own guilt feelings
about the massacre to gain the upper hand against us, but something else
doesn't add up. If Sinister planned to use Remy later then why did he allow
Sabretooth to do what he did? With Remy dead, Sinister's plans would have
been in vain."
"Yes, now that you mentioned it. I do recollect Remy disclosing that
knowledge at the trial." McCoy added with a remorseful sigh. "It seems Creed
dispersed no time in accumulating the reputation we fathom him by today."
"Creed didn't follow orders. He went crazy in the tunnels. When LeBeau
took off, he went after him. We never knew what happened between them until
later." Prism looked at the professor. "Rumor has it, Sinister went
ballistic when he found out. He killed Creed for disobeying orders, and used
the DNA to clone replacements, but like I said, it's only a rumor. I don't
know if it's true."
"Of course, it's true. Sinister almost lost his pride and joy." Warren
angrily interrupted. "It would have been justified if LeBeau had been killed
by the same people he helped gather together." Angel waved his hands in
agitation. "Gambit formed the Marauders! Am I the only one in this room who
comprehends it?"
"LeBeau formed the Marauders?" Prism snorted. He started laughing. He
couldn't stop. It was a good thing he was sitting down or he would have
fallen to the floor. When several of the X-Men glared at him, he raised his
hand and apologized. "I'm sorry, but that statement was asinine."
"Everyone, give him time to explain." Scott suggested, and then turned to
Prism, his tone warning the man. "My friends aren't in the mood for jokes,
Prism. A member of our team said he formed the Marauders and now you're
telling us, he didn't. Unless you explain further, I'm canceling our deal
and you can take your chances with your former friends."
"Understood," Prism agreed, sobering his mood immediately and nodding at
Cyclops before continuing. "The Marauders are an elite group. Nobody just
finds them unless they want to be found and the only way LeBeau did was
because Sinister gave him that information."
"But if Sinister knew where to find the Marauders, why did he need Gambit
in the first place? It doesn't make any sense; Gambit's not a killer, nor
does Sinister waste his time on mutants he deems valueless. He had to have
an alternative motive for wanting Gambit." Xavier pondered, trying to
understand what Prism was telling them. "Is it possible Sinister wanted
Gambit to spy for him after he joined the X-Men?"
"No. In fact, Sinister was annoyed when he discovered LeBeau was here. If
contact between the two of them happened, I wasn't told, but when LeBeau
traveled to Seattle, Sinister followed and the reunion didn't go as planned.
Gambit wanted nothing more to do with him, claiming he'd found a better life
and it didn't include Essex." Prism continued with a heavy sigh. "Rejection
is something Sinister doesn't handle well. To punish the indignity, he used
his trump card."
"The massacre." Xavier answered, grimly.
"Yes. Sinister reminded LeBeau of the repercussions of what would happen
if the X-Men learned of his involvement, but his plan didn't work. LeBeau
refused to be blackmailed." Prism continued, "Sinister then bided his time
until he knew he could gain the upper hand."
"I knew my brother was not the monster he was accused of being." Storm
declared, "I only wished I could have found Remy. I have searched Africa and
most of Europe but have been unable to find any trace of him."
"When did you look?" Cecilia asked. "You were always here at the
mansion,"
"Do you really think I care so little for the man who saved my life that
I would not give mine up for his?" Ororo answered. She glanced at several of
the X-Men, a look of anger briefly mixed with disgust passed over her face
before disappearing all together.
"Unlike some, I do not judge until the truth is uncovered. Since the
incident in Antarctica, I would leave the mansion at night, so not to
explain my motives." She walked to a window and stared outside. "But
everything was in vain. I could not find my friend."
Rogue joined the older woman to stare out the same window. "Ah wished ya
woulda told me, Storm, because Ah been doin' th'..."
"I had no intentions of telling anyone, not when I blamed every X-Man at
that mock trial for leaving Remy behind. Yourself, included," Storm
admitted. "I did my best to keep my opinions to myself."
"Ya held yah emotions well, Storm. Ah can only hope you'll forgive me foh
what Ah'm about ta say." She turned back towards Xavier, who bowed his head,
approving her decision.
With a deep breath, Rogue stepped into the center of the room. Most of
the X-Men looked at her with concerned expressions as tears started falling
down her cheeks.
"Ah've also been searchin' for Remy, but Ah was too ashamed an' afraid ta
tell anyone where Ah left him."
"What?" Scott yelled louder than he intended. He shook his head, hoping
the gesture would erase Rogue's confession from his mind, but from the
recoiled expressions he was witnessing on the other X-Men's faces, Cyclops
knew he had heard her correctly. "Are you telling us, you've known all this
time where Remy was and never told me, or anyone else?"
"Back off, Cyke," Wolverine's familiar voice warned, before the X-Man
walked back into the room. Logan quickly moved to Rogue's side. "Rogue feels
bad enough. She doesn' need yer crap right now."
"Where is he, Rogue?" Storm demanded, pushing Prism out of her path as
she approached the younger woman. "Tell me where you left him and I will go
after him."
Rogue nervously stared at the floor. "Storm, Ah don't think he's..."
Wolverine grabbed her arm, stopping her words. "Ya betta tell ‘em, darlin',"
Logan suggested. He bit down on his cigar and crouched down in a defensive
mood, preparing himself for the inevitable. "Ain' no sense in draggin' this
out any longer. They're gonna find out soon enough."
"He's..."Rogue's lip started trembling, "Ah left him in Antarctica."
Thunder roared across the sky, violently rocking the foundation of the
mansion. Visibility quickly became non-existent as a rainstorm turned into a
roaring monsoon, drenching everyone inside.
Rubbing his arms in a desperate attempt to stay warm, Scott frantically
tried to locate Storm. He heard the sound of Logan's claws striking
something as the wind picked up, which sent a large object flying in his
direction.
Scott had only a split second to react. He grabbed the banister and held
on for dear life as Jean's piano flew past his head and slammed into the
wall. "Storm," He screamed into the howling winds, spitting out rainwater
that kept pelting him in the face. "Ororo, stop before you kill someone."