| Summary: Mystique rekindles her interest in
Wolverine and plays deadly games to capture him. |
|
| Mystique entered the
room with a carry case in hand. She set it on the table off to
the side. Logan lifted his head slowly. His body ached from
being restrained, and he tried to ignore the discomfort. "You are some soldier, Wolverine. Pain means nothing to you," Mystique said. Magneto entered the room. His proud strides carried him to stand before the wavering Wolverine. "So, your little feline friend is quite some fighter. She is recovering nicely, although I am sad to say it was a traumatic experience for her," Magneto said. "Traumatic?" Logan asked. "We did what we could with the least amount of pain. I am sure you remember having that alloy bonded to your bones. I nearly had to remold some of it to get it right," Magneto responded. A distressed look crossed Logan's face. "Oh, dear boy, please understand it was a dreadful procedure in the first place, and it was even worse trying to sift through pieces of broken bone. It's not like I am a doctor. Mystique did assist – her knowledge is more enhanced than mine. But, I assure you she will be just fine," Magneto answered. Logan's eyes were filled with a restrained fury. Magneto could sense that if he ever got free, there would be bloodshed. "Such anger I feel. Why?" Magneto asked. Logan didn't need to answer. "Ah, yes. There's that protective nature of the animal in your heart. You really should stop being everyone's watch dog," Magneto snidely remarked. "Now, tell me what you know of my past," Logan growled. Magneto walked around the room in silence. "Tell me!" Logan shouted while extending his claws and trying to fight the restraints. "Do you remember our time at Alkali Lake, when I asked you if you remembered William Stryker - how he was the only man I knew of who could manipulate Adamantium?" Logan became still and silent. "Who do you think told Stryker about Adamantium?" Logan's eyes were fixed on Magneto. "Ah, yes... so there are some brains to go with the brawn. Well, dear boy, you volunteered to become the first super soldier for the Weapon X program - a program originally created by Charles Xavier. Of course, in revenge for Xavier's inability to cure the mutant factor in Stryker's son, Stryker set off and corrupted the program and instead of using it to help mutants - he focused on ways to eliminate mutants. At one time, you were Stryker's most valuable prize - and you did anything for him like any obedient dog would." Logan's heart was pounding. "You and Stryker led many missions together. You volunteered for the augmentation program to become a super soldier, figuring it would be a great benefit to the program. I suppose your loyalty to him clouded your better judgment or you would have seen he was going to use you for experimentation." "Why did he wipe my memory?" "He didn't want you to remember your past or anything of the experiment. You would have become a walking drone for Stryker - that's what he wanted most of all - and your enhanced skeleton and mutant factor would have been used for Stryker's ultimate goal - elimination of all mutants." Logan's heart sank. "There's much more to the story but you have heard enough to fill in the blanks at this point." "Xavier..." "Yes, Xavier knew all this." Logan looked deep into Magneto's eyes. The hard stare was enough to inform him of Logan's decision. How could Logan return to the mansion when the leader had betrayed him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Danielle's recovery would be considerably long and slow. Mystique led her into the room that held Wolverine captive. Danielle ran to him wrapping her arms around his midsection. Logan wished his arms were free to embrace her. "They are letting you go," Logan whispered. "Me? What about you?" she asked. "Get outta here!" Logan yelled trying to push Danielle away. Tears began to stream down her face. "Tell Jean Marie I love her," Logan said before Sabertooth roughly pulled Danielle away. Logan lowered his head hating himself for yelling at her, but he needed to know she would be safely on her way home. He had nearly lost her twice now, and he wouldn't take a chance again. "Very touching. I wonder how that little girl will feel when she is old enough to understand what her father is really all about?" Mystique asked slyly. Logan looked angrily at Mystique as she giggled softly. "Now, I have you all to myself, huh, big boy," she said while tracing her finger around his chin. "Why can't you leave me alone?" he growled. "What is it that furball has that I don't?" Mystique angrily asked. "I can't begin to tell you. More than you will ever have," Logan retorted as his voice strained. Logan snarled deeply before she injected him with another drug. Slowly, he became a bit more subdued. "What an awesome pairing we would make," Mystique giggled. "You, me and a little one of our own," she replied saucily. "Never," he said drowsily. "Trust me, darling. You will soon forget about her," Mystique replied. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sabertooth escorted Danielle into another room with metal walls. He sat with her for a few moments then kneeling down beside her, he dragged a clawed finger around her face and he eyed her most curiously. "They ain't lettin' me go?" Danielle said. The hulking beast said nothing. "Hey, no time for love," Toad snorted as he passed by. Sabertooth growled. He found Danielle most intriguing and the feline in her was very attractive to him. "C'mon. Magneto wants us," Toad ordered. Sabertooth looked to Toad and then back at Danielle. She began to feel uneasy with his blank stare. "Now, man!" Toad said. Sabertooth got up and as he left he continued to eye Danielle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It seemed like weeks had passed since the last time she had seen Logan. Magneto and Sabertooth constantly visited her. The stress Danielle had been feeling was showing in her eyes and her body. Mystique kept her prisoner as a play thing. The blue mutant enjoyed tormenting her by not allowing her to eat or making loud sounds that would keep her awake when she wanted to sleep. Mystique played with Logan too - enjoying watching him try to get free whenever she teased him with ideas of how she would eventually kill Panther or how she would make him see how she and him really belonged together. Logan looked deep into the golden eyes of Mystique. An odd sort of feeling filled the pit of his empty stomach. Somehow, he felt a strange fascination in the blue mutant. This time in her captivity left him unable to deny that she had an unusual sort of beauty and her confident nature was rather enticing too. But then his mind would drift back to the feline beauty he thought was waiting for his return and the young child wanting her father. He glanced over to his restrained hand – his wedding band was missing. "You should eat something, darling," Mystique said raising a plate with a steaming steak on it. The smell of the seared meat filled Logan's nostrils. It had been several days since he had eaten. His body craved food. "Where's my ring?" he asked. "What ring? I didn't see a ring," Mystique said as she lifted a piece of steak to Logan's mouth. He lunged for it just as she pulled it back out of his reach. She giggled knowing she was tormenting him. Mystique finally fed him. Then, she began caressing him – her hand gently exploring the contours of his chest and shoulders. It began to disgust Logan, but he knew he might have to resort to extremes in order to make his escape. The soldier turned off his emotions as Mystique began kissing him. "I can't do much in this position," Logan said between kisses. "You really think I would be that stupid to let you go? Not yet, darling. I don't trust you yet," Mystique snickered. Mystique ran her hands down past Logan's belt buckle letting her fingers glide over him. "I would have thought the animal in you would be aroused much quicker. You surprise me, Wolverine," Mystique stated. "I prefer feline company," Logan replied. "You won't change your mind?" Mystique asked before licking his earlobe. "She's still here, isn't she?" he asked. "How do you know?" "I smell her on you. You have been near her and recently." "If I set her free, will you forget about her?" "Depends on how well you please me." Mystique morphed into Danielle again. She kissed Logan gently on his cheek and nipped his chin. A sly smile crossed her face and her yellow eyes were wide and bright. Mystique felt victorious especially when Logan began to respond to her affections. "Why don't you let me go, unless ya have something in mind," he said as he returned her kiss. Mystique in Danielle's form smiled slyly. She returned her attentions to Logan's belt buckle. "I'll let her go after I'm done with you." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The X Team began to fear the worst. There were no signs of either Danielle or Logan to be found in any of their searches. It became so frustrating that even Magneto's compound could not be located, even after all these years. Yet, John remembered a few things when he was taken there. "It's out over the ocean – an island maybe. A very small island just big enough for the large metal fortress," John said. "Are you sure?" Scott asked. "Positive," John replied. The team frantically began searching again. They used every resource available to them and then Professor Xavier, while inside Cerebro, located Magneto. ~Old friend, something of yours is being deposited on Liberty Island. We thought it would bring back some memories for some of your team,~ Magneto projected. ~What of Wolverine?~ ~I dare say the Wolverine has decided to remain with us for a while. He has taken a fancy to our cause. Seems you have lost out on him as well, friend.~ That was the last projection before Xavier lost contact and a possible location. "We will have to be very careful how we do this. They might be setting a trap," Scott said. "You know they are not to be trusted," Ororo replied. "Yes, but we have a trump card here – me," John said. "They won't expect me to be with you," he added. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Your man is mine now," Mystique stated strongly. Danielle lay on the floor and lifted her head wearily. Her strength was dwindling despite her healing factor. She hadn't eaten or had anything to drink in days. She was dehydrated and tired and cold. "I didn't realize he was such an animal," Mystique giggled while rubbing the crook of her neck. "He's decided to hang around here as long as I return you to your friends." Danielle laid down again lacking even the strength to cry. She could smell Logan's scent and it was strong with arousal. Sabertooth joined Mystique and picked up Danielle. They walked out to the helicopter, placed Danielle in the back and they flew off. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Team headed for Liberty Island. John headed out first. He was determined to be a part of the rescue to make amends for all the terrible things he had done. He stumbled upon Danielle laying on the ground near the seawall. She was cold, hungry, and very weak. "Danielle, oh my God, yer still alive," John said sitting down next to her. She weakly lifted her head and took his hand. "Jean Marie is fine. She misses you," Jean said to reassure her. Danielle looked up to the other X Team members. "Where's Logan?" Jean asked. "He's with them," Danielle replied softly. Her legs went out from under her and Scott carried her inside the jet where they flew home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Several weeks had passed and there was no sign of Logan, Mystique or any of the Brotherhood. Marie and John tried to keep Danielle occupied since she felt so lost knowing Logan was staying with Mystique. "He'd never leave you, Danielle. He loves you too much," Marie said. Danielle looked to her with eyes filled with sadness. She looked at Jean Marie sleeping in her arms and the tears fell. "C'mon. I know you girls like to go shopping. I think it might be a good idea if we get out and get some fresh air. We can get lunch at one of the local diners," John said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was bright and sunny out and a protest was going on in town near City Hall - a large crowd of protestors voicing their desire for the Mutant Registration Act to be made into law. There were ten policemen on horseback riding around keeping the protest peaceful. Mystique and Logan walked arm in arm amidst the crowd of protestors. Logan smiled at Mystique. Danielle, John and Marie were called by Jean via transponder to be careful of the protestors. When they arrived, Danielle stood completely still sniffing the air. "Danielle, what is it?" Marie asked. "It's Logan. I smell 'im. He's close by." Danielle looked around scanning the crowd. She was unable to move as she went into shock seeing Logan and Mystique together clinging to each other. "Logan? Logan!" Danielle called out. Logan slowly turned around. Mystique joined him turning to face Danielle. A wide smile crossed Mystique's face. She was morphed in Danielle's image and Danielle felt her rage burning inside her heart. "Forget it, girl. He's with me now," Mystique laughed. Logan's heart hurt seeing Danielle in obvious pain. To Danielle, he had abandoned her and his daughter to be with Mystique. "I am sensing you wish to fight over my prize," Mystique said. "I want him back. I want him to come home to our daughter," Danielle replied strongly. Mystique laughed deeply. "NOW!" Danielle cried out. "Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to break up a family?" John cried out. Danielle sensed John's anger and felt a deep sympathy for him and a great appreciation for his sticking up for her. For so long, he desired to be accepted and wished to have his family again. It was something he always craved – the love of parents and siblings. "Because I am the better choice for Wolverine. I have been him - I know him - what he wants, what he likes," Mystique responded. "Maybe you have been him, but I have lived the same life as him and I have given him a daugher," Danielle said. Logan remainded silent - Mystique had managed to keep Logan drugged and submissive to her will. Magneto had agreed to the extra precautions Mystique took as Logan would eventually have to prove himself totally dedicated to the Brotherhood. However, his healing factor again kicked in, and before Mystique could subdue him, he began to sense a rage in Danielle unlike any rage he ever felt from her before. Without any control, her eyes turned the most brilliant golden color and she began to growl loudly. Several passersby stood paralyzed by what they witnessed, and Mystique took a few steps back in fear. Danielle had become Panther. Mystique listened to the low rumble of a deep throaty growl as Panther circled her. Alloy claws popped from her hands and with incredible speed Panther raced after Mystique pouncing on her and knocking her down. Logan was tossed back with the impact that sent him falling to the ground alongside the two female mutants. Panther began ravaging Mystique with bites from fangs that extended from her jaw and she tore at Mystique's body with alloy claws. Mystique became Wolverine and fought back as best she could with claws of her own. Panther's anger raged at fever pitch, but Mystique was able to get in a few good licks wounding Panther. Panther was still very strong and unrelenting. As the battle raged on, the police were on their way racing down the street on horseback. It wasn't long before Panther backed away leaving Mystique bloodied but alive and fleeing for her life. Panther watched her opponent high tail it away and Logan getting back on his feet. "Stop! Police!" one cop called out. The mutants remained where they were. One of the cops shot at Panther and she darted down one of the alleys looking for a way to escape. The sound of deep growls echoed against the brick walls. "Danielle, come back!" John called out. John raced after Panther, following her into one of the alleys. Logan could smell blood and followed the trail. She had been hit and now was trapped. "Look, kid, I think you should come back here. She's hurt and she's probably really pissed off," Logan said. "Danielle, please. You helped me. Now, let me help you," John begged as he entered the alley. Logan saw a cop arrive with a large rifle. "What the hell are ya gonna do?" he asked. "We won't hurt her. This is just a tranquilizer. She'll sleep for a while," the cop replied. As the cop headed down the alley, Logan flew at him in an attempt to protect Danielle. Marie and John tried to get Logan to stop and not make matters worse. Yet, as Logan tried to fight the cop without causing more of a scene, Panther appeared and the cop fired two shots. Several silent minutes seemed to pass and the growling stopped. The sound of Panther's unsteady gait on pavement was heard as Panther slowly stumbled her way towards Logan. John rushed to her and she collapsed down near him. At the time the police were loading her and Logan, who was arrested for interfering, into the van, Jean, Scott and Ororo arrived on the scene. They had no choice but to let them take Panther and Logan away to be held in custody. "Xavier is going to get them released. Relax. It's all under control," Scott said to John and Marie. Several hours later, Professor Xavier signed the release for Logan and Panther designating himself as their guardian and Jean as Panther's doctor. Xavier managed to instill new memories of the situation allowing for the police reports to show only a minor altercation between two women fighting over a man. The coverup seemed to work and Jean went to Logan with a set of binders for Danielle's wrists. "I know this seems excessive, but I am unsure of her mental state and the binders are for her protection as much as yours," Jean explained. He entered the prison cell and sat down by Panther. Her body was stretched out on the floor still heavily sedated. He secured the binders on her wrists just as she was coming around. He looked her over and heaved a heavy sigh of sadness - he was binding her up like an animal and he hated himself for it. He looked at the trail of blood from her shoulder down but no wound could be seen - her healing factor was at work again. Logan lifted her up and they prepared to take her home. Just then, Panther looked up at Logan. Her eyes were wide with fear as if she had no recollection of him and she began to struggle to get free. Jean didn't want to resort to sedating her again, but she had no choice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inside the medlab, Panther was laid out and examined. "What the hell happened?" Logan asked as he looked Panther over. "I can't explain this. She has regressed again, as if extreme stress literally brings out the animal in her. She goes literally into 'fight or flight' mode," Jean said. "Ya gotta admit that was one hell of a cat fight," John giggled. "That's my girl – always kickin' ass," Logan said just as she slowly opened her eyes and looked up to Logan. Danielle looked around orienting herself to her surroundings. "How are you feeling?" Jean asked. "Tired. Thirsty. Logan, yer home," Danielle stammered out. "I told ya I love ya," he said. "But, Mystique?" "I couldn't risk her hurtin' ya." "Danielle, do you remember anything of what happened?" Jean asked. "I just remember seeing Logan with her and this incredible surge of anger racing through me. I don't remember anything more outside of wanting to kill her," Danielle replied. "You nearly did," John said. "Is she..." Danielle trailed off. "She's wounded but she'll live. Damn, woman. I had no idea you had that in ya," Logan said. "Well, I did tell ya before I would kill to keep ya," Danielle said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Danielle sat with Jean Marie and John when Logan entered the room. "Hey, darlin'," Logan said putting his hand on John's shoulder and looked into his daughter's eyes. "I have to ask how ya did that - change like that," John said. "I dunno. I was so mad, but I don't remember anything else," she replied. Logan kissed the top of her head. Danielle made a face as if she smelled something strange on him. Just then, Jean entered the room. "Your tests came back fine. X rays show everything is healed nearly perfectly. I can guess that you really have nine lives and a gift that is quite intense. I can't explain the memory lapse though," Jean said. "Well, I have to thank Magneto for putting her back together. But, you have spent two of those lives and I'll be damned that I'm gonna let ya spend anymore," Logan said sternly. When everyone left, Logan sat down by Danielle's side. Logan looked like a heavy weight was burdening him. "What's wrong, love?" "Magneto told me some things - things about me, Stryker, and Xavier." Danielle looked into Logan's eyes. She could see the hidden rage. "Listen to me, whateva Magneto told you - it is all in the past and it doesn't matter now." "But, Xavier knew..." "Logan, please. Let's just forget it fer now. I just want to enjoy yer bein' home." "I'm sorry for everything that happened. I know I screwed up. I didn't know how else to keep her from hurting ya." "Forget it. It's ova'." Logan looked into Danielle's eyes before kissing her gently. Danielle again frowned. "Logan, could ya please go take a shower," Danielle said. Logan looked at her funny and then realized why. She smelled Mystique on him. |