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Post by Karma on Nov 21, 2008 16:26:12 GMT -5
After leaving Kelly Burns to clean up his mess and asking Ariel to make sure the little ones were looked after Karma had gone down to the Cerebra chamber with Colossus and Rogue. "So then I suppose it'll be up to me to find this child. I must confess, though I do want to, I am more than a bit hesitant to make this attempt."
She looked at the other two teachers with a concern on her face that she tried to keep as subdued as possible. "Please, if anything should go wrong- or rather, WHEN something goes wrong make sure that you at least get the location of this child. I am not going through this agony for nothing." She sat at the console and flipped off the alarm light, which had been blinking since the middle of the night.
"Well, we know at least before we begin that this mutant must be in the northern hemisphere, and somewhere close to the eastern seaboard of North America or the alarm wouldn't have gone off at all. Let's see if we can narrow it down." Karma picked up the helmet of the powerful CEREBRA and paused slightly clearing her throat. "Oh god I wish Emma were here." she said softly.
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Post by Rogue on Nov 22, 2008 10:59:16 GMT -5
As Rogue and the other two X-Men headed down to the sub-basement, she figured out what would be the best for finding this child. She allowed Karma to speak her words and Rogue nodded allowing her to see she was indeed listening. But Colossus' words in the Kitchen echoed within her head. Karma was indeed not physically strong enough to handle Cerebra and all three of them knew that. Colossus of course had plenty of the strength but had no ability to mentally control or use Cerebra. The light bulb flashed in her head as soon as his words were spoken and she sighed.
Using her own ability to absorb both person's powers was the only way. Even though it was a unique and powerful ability, Rogue was always upset about it. It took her many years to at least cope with it since she was never able to have direct physical contact with anyone. The only relationship that she was happy with (but it still had its down sides) was with of course Gambit. It was the reason she was in Antarctica before Emma Frost asked her to come back to the mansion; she was searching for Gambit on the deserted continent.
Rogue watched Karma flip off the alarm light. "Karma darlin' Ah found a better way tuh get this kid," she said as she removed both gloves from her hands and arms. She looked to Colossus making sure he got the picture and warning him he was going to feel very weak in several seconds.
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Post by Colossus on Nov 24, 2008 20:54:06 GMT -5
Colossus raised his eyebrows at Rogue when she took off her gloves. Though he too was concerned for Karma's safety, for CEREBRA was quite dangerous for a non-telepath, he wasn't sure what Rogue literally had up her sleeve. "I take that it has something to do with you taking my metal form, but how will that help Karma?" he asked and he rolled up his sleeve.
He trusted Rogue and knew from past experience that she was extremely clever and a quick thinker. Still, Colossus didn't quite understand how this would help Karma and do anything more than weaken him. "I do hope this will be worth it, I never liked the headache I got after you take my powers for a bit," Colossus stated.
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Post by Karma on Nov 29, 2008 15:59:42 GMT -5
"Oh I get it you take both our powers. That might just work." Colossus had guessed it and since Rogue had taken both her gloves off Karma made the leap in logic. It made perfect sense too with Karma's power to help her use Cerebra, and Colossus' power to add needed protection to her synapses she could survive the destructive backlashing of the device. She got up out of the chair, vacating it for Rogue to sit down.
"It's like diving into a frigid pool Rogue. I only ever did it once before but it is a shock to your entire system. Yes, that is the best way to describe it like diving into a frigid pool in space where there's no gravity and you get lost on the way up, or out rather." She looked at Rogue and then at Colossus to gather herself and prepare for the touch of Rogue's hand. "Be quick about it too, the longer you're in there the more disorienting it gets. Don't panic though because even though it seems and feels like you can't get enough air and your dying don't struggle, or you will. That is where I failed before." she nodded her head "I'm ready."
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Post by Rogue on Nov 30, 2008 15:54:03 GMT -5
Rogue smirked at Colossus and sighed. "C'mon Petey. You're young you can take it," she said before holding his left arm. Immediately she felt the ability to convert into the organic hunk of metal the X-Men had come to know so well. Not draining too much of his energy and/or power, Rogue let go and then turned to Karma. She heard what her colleague said and she nodded her head. The entire experience was going to be both memorable and probably haunting. Rogue had never used Cerebra before and finding this new mutant was going to take some serious concentration. But she also needed to loose herself and allow Cerebra to take her deep within her own mind. She knew that there would be things she didn't want to see or probably never knew she could see. However time was of the essence, and finding the mutant was necessary. Walking to Karma, Rogue touched her and held one tightly. She knew Karma would probably collapse and loose much energy. Karma was strong mentally but not physically. Rogue gritted her teeth, hating the use of her power. But duty always came first to the Southern Belle and she was always a martyr. "OK darlins," she said firmly. "Wish me luck." With that, Rogue sat in the chair of Cerebra where Professor Xavier, her former mentor and friend would sit religiously; finding any mutant who was in search of a home where their abilities were welcomed. Rogue felt his presence there, at least figuratively and she couldn't feel more scared and excited at the same time. It was time to find the mutant, and Rogue placed the helmet on her head. She closed her eyes, feeling Karma's power and Colossus' power emerge. She turned into the organic metal and allowed her mind to "posses" and use Cerebra's power. It was then she felt it, her mind become invaded with so much information. Rogue strained to control her mind, but it wasn't helping. She felt like she couldn't breath, like she was going to die. Just like Xi'an said, she thought. C'mon Rogue, control yourself but let your mind loose itself. It sounded harder than it actually did, and Rogue began to sweat. It was too much at once and her mind had never felt so "full" for lack of a better word. And then she let herself go....... She saw black and then strange shapes and abstract colors. It was beautiful but also scary. Rogue was deep within her mind as well as using Cerebra's unique and forceful power. She saw herself and her many memories she had in her short but long life... Her mind was reflecting her darkest secrets and feelings, naturally making her think of Remy. A blurry memory of her sorrow appeared before her... It was then, she woke from her memories and new that it was time for business. She focused on the mutant, how Cerebra was able to contact it. Searching at a fair pace (for the powers were to wear off pretty soon), Rogue began her search nearby, finding many mutants but none computed with Cerebra's alert signature. Cerebra was helping Rogue find the mutant as much as she was attempting to find it herself. Together they worked deeper and deeper into Rogue's mind....... The image was a flash and Rogue remembered everything within it. So mutant was a boy, and had magnificent black wings. The next question... where in the world was he? She searched further, the powers she borrowed from Karma and Colossus were beginning to fade, but there was no time to quit now. She was able to find the boy and she was definitely going to do it. She scanned each city, each state on the eastern hemisphere. Cerebra was guiding her, helping her locate the boy. His mutation was evolving at a decent pace and he seemed to be aware of how to control it.... THERE!!! she yelled in her mind. On the coast of Maine, Cerebra's signature for the X genome was it's strongest. Rogue had found him and she suddenly felt a wave of relief. She was about to come out of her mind, to alert the others in the room with her about where Gavin Croft was. But then another idea popped into her head. She squinted her eyes even more, focusing but loosing herself to another part of the world, Antarctica. She was there before Emma called her for her assistance to find Gambit. He had fled the face of the Earth after all the things he and Rogue shared together. Their love and secrets, their passion and anger. Their beliefs and views. The one thing that made them bond was her ability to understand his reasons for becoming the villain he was know so well to be. Eventually it grew to love and she still cared deeply for him. Now, Rogue had the ability to find the one man she truly loved so much. The person she felt complete with and shared most in common. Their laughs and tears flashed before her now, within the tunnels of her memories. She was sweating more as she looked for him high and low. The problem was, Gambit was no where to be found as of yet and he didn't want to be discovered either. The powers were wearing off, and Rogue could feel it. Images of Remy popped in front of her one right after the other. That is exactly what she did, trust him. And now he was gone. The love of her life whom she didn't think could possibly hurt her, did. The pain was unbearable and she couldn't help but weep. Weep about her sorrow and pain, about her joys that were shattered. She needed to find him for closure, to tell him how much he meant to her and how much he hurt her. She loved him and hated him, she lusted for his touch, his scent, his soft hair in between her fingers. His smile and his eyes... She was back, back in reality. The vast chrome room was surrounding her as it was the entire time. She felt the helmet on her head. Her energy was drained and her eyes stung from the crying she thought was only in her mind. She continued to cry, for her tough exterior was not able to mend in place. Her heart was broken, her life seemed hollow and she never felt more lost or empty in her entire existence. She didn't look at her fellow X-Men as they waited with anticipation. She cried silently as the tears trailed down her cheeks and to her chin, dropping down to her legs and wetting the fabric the drops landed on. She clenched her fists together as she held her head. The helmet was still on and she took it off while letting it fall and dangle by it's cords. She was a mess and didn't care. Everything else was oblivious to her, for the memories were too clear......
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Post by Colossus on Nov 30, 2008 18:43:50 GMT -5
Colossus watched weakly, trying to keep himself from passing out as Rogue took on his metal form, which he himself was in to keep himself from completely passing out. As it was, even in his metal form he couldn't help but black out. This feeling gets old quickly, were his last thoughts before passing out.
Colossus didn't know how long he was out, but when he opened his eyes, he was no longer in his metal form and saw Rogue crying silently. There is only one reason I can think of to see those heartbroken tears... I am familiar with them myself, Colossus thought as he stood up slowly and carefully to not feel too lightheaded. He looked at his long time friend and his heart, which was heavy with worry and pain for his own loved one, went out to her.
"Ah Rogue," Colossus said softly and pulled the woman into his arms gently. He cradled her and hugged her, sharing her pain through his own at the moment when his love was in peril danger. "It will be alright," he said soothingly and held her comfortingly and gently, giving the woman that gave him comfort many times before the comfort she rarely asks for. "Are you alright? Did you find the mutant?" he asked softly as he held her tight to let her know that she was not alone and had a friend who did care a great deal for her.
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Post by Karma on Nov 30, 2008 19:48:51 GMT -5
Karma closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself physically, she would be able to withstand mentally the strain of rogues power and not have too much damage in that sense, but physically she was as weak to the absorbing ability as any other person walking the earth. She was weak physically and the blacking out was always something that nobody would enjoy. There was work to be done though, and despite the worry over Rogues mental health and physical strength after being subjected to Cerebra, there was a sense of relief as to not having the need to use the machine herself again. One was quite enough.
As the touch was made, Karma felt the strain in the back of her mind as her powers where being drained from her person. Rogue had held on longer to her to gain as much telepathic power as she could without truely harming Xi'an, but the blackening around her sight grew quick and fast. Never was it pleasent to go through Rogue draining someone of their powers, even for a short space of time. The mental drain on Karma especially as she was not immediately able to recover sent the small teacher to slip into an empty void of unconciousness. The complete silence was in a way both comforting and frightening; now without a heightened mental ability Karma was all but useless as she lay against the ground.
Her body physically had more of a blow than of pitor, and mentally she was no longer strong enough to push off the sheet of heavy black that pressed against her mind. Time moved quickly though as she was nonresponsive and slowly her eyes gained the strength to force themselves open. It felt much like waking from a dreamless and unsatisfying sleep. Her body was tired, but not so that she was unable to regain herself enough to stand. As her eyes adjusted once more to the surroundings Xi'an looked upon the two obviously heartbroken figures. Both deeply wounded by the loss of the one who held their deepest heart filled wishes. Rogue especially, as it was unknown as to whether Gambit would be seen for a long time. Peter had but to wait on the rescue team returning; but poor Rogue.
"Did you find out where the mutant is?" The small voice called out while regaining footing and walking toward the comforting embracers. Their poor hearts had suffered more than anyone should ever have to: but the life of an X-man was tough, they all knew that.
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Post by Rogue on Nov 30, 2008 20:24:39 GMT -5
Rogue held her fists even more tightly than before. She was angry and scared and hurt. Her heart was strong yet broken, pure yet tampered. She was too emotional to hold it all in anymore. And so, she wept more and more. Colossus' grasp made her feel better, but the pain was still there and since they were able to share their pain together, it gave her some kind of closure. It of course still wasn't enough, but was able to do for now. Pete would always have a place in Rogue's heart and she was happy to have him comfort her.
Holding him tightly, she inhaled deeply and controlled her breathing. Tears still poured but her grasp against the large X-Man was still heart felt (of what was left of it). Hearing both Karma and Colossus ask about the mutant, she nodded slowly. "Coast of Maine, I know how tuh get there. Boy's name is Gavin Croft," she replied softly between sobs. She did feel much better than the several months of searching for Remy. Even when she was alone she didn't cry out her pain and suffering.
She loosened her hug against Colossus and sniffed. It felt good on the rare occasions she actually wept. But under the circumstances it wasn't the time or place for her to do so. But she didn't care and she was at least glad to have a family for a support group. In time, her scars would heel.... in time.
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Post by Colossus on Nov 30, 2008 20:51:11 GMT -5
Colossus held Rogue's frail form tight and comfortingly, rubbing her back gently and rocking her back and forth until she was done crying her guarded heart out. He whispered soothing words to her to show how he did indeed understand her pain and promises of how he would always be there for her if she needed it. Rogue was a dear friend to Piotr, she always had been there for him when he needed it and when he and Kitty fought or had problems, she was always there to listen and help. It was no issue at all for him to be there for her through all her pain. Though she still had trouble touching people, he was always standing nearby ready to hug her and offer her any comfort she could need.
Colossus' arms loosened around her when he felt the tears lessen. He fished out a fresh handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to Rogue. "You did great Rogue, I am very glad that you managed to find him. Dry your tears little one, all will be well," he said gently and placed a light kiss on her forehead.
Keeping a large arm around her shoulder, Colossus looked at both of them with a thoughtful look. "We must go and get him then. They took the Blackbird but we still have Beast's Quinjet. I suppose he would not mind us borrowing it, since it is the most practical transportation we have," he contemplated out loud and looked down at the two women. "Rogue you will have to go and perhaps take some of the students with you to make the boy feel more welcome. Would you like one of use to come with you or will you be able to handle the journey on your own?" he asked in a concerned voice as his kind eyes searched her face.
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Post by Karma on Nov 30, 2008 21:07:47 GMT -5
"Well, I think I should stay with the children. My Alpha's and I had plans for some chocolate chip cookie baking. With the break ending tomorrow I think we shall triple the recipe and prepare some chocolate chip cookie dough balls, deep fried of course. It's always nice to return to your school and be greeted by some tasty treats." Karma nodded to the two of them and reached over to carefully hug Rogue. "It is good that you have let out some of the pain Marie, and good as well that Cerebra didn't cause you any undue harm."
She turned to leave and walked to the door of the chamber stopping half way down the catwalk and turning back to say "Please if you take anyone with you take Kelly Burns, he always wants to help in the kitchen and the sneaky boy changes the sugar into salt every time. It was never funny. Not the first time and not any other time since. Good luck" She left the chamber and the two X-Men to return to the upper levels and look after the rest of the school.
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Post by Rogue on Nov 30, 2008 21:31:02 GMT -5
Taking the handkerchief, Rogue dried herself and placed her gloves back on. Her emotional moment was over and now was the time to be the leader she always was to convince Gavin Croft to safety. "Thanks Pete," she replied as she dabbed her tears. In several seconds, she was able to collect herself and stood up tall and proud. She was an X-Men now and forever and although her feelings got the best of her, she still had fun being the hot headed carpetbagger from Tennessee.
"That's fine Xi'an," she continued. "Petey and Ah will go along with Burns and some others. Gavin definitely needs some people to relate to in order to convince him to join our school." She placed the handkerchief in her back pocket. "Ah'll clean it up fer ya before ya git it back," she said with her familiar smirk. With that, she walked after Karma motioning Colossus to come along and find several students to join them. "I'll go to the kitchen and get Burns. Mind looking around for Ariel and Stephen? Ah think they would be suitable in helpin' us out."
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Post by Colossus on Nov 30, 2008 22:08:53 GMT -5
Colossus' face screwed up into one of uneasiness. "Ah Rogue I do not think bring Shade along to convince someone to come to our school is the best plan. He is less than sociable," he pointed out knowing the disturbed Hellion was not the most welcoming. "Calorie can go and if you want Calorie I think it would be for the best to take Hotwire. Perhaps bring along another student maybe in case the boy is in his teens?" he suggested remembering the times he had gone to pick up students for Professor Xavier.
"Karma will you be able to handle the others on your own? I do not mind going or staying, wherever I will be most helpful," he asked as they left Cerebra and walked down the corridors.
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