X-Men Fan Fiction ❯ Witness ❯ Swallow your pride. ( Chapter 15 )

Authors Note/Disclaimer:

 

I do not own XMen Evolution, its characters, or the universe they live in. I intend no disrespect or copyright infringement. This is a work of adult fan fiction and is intended only for entertainment purposes. I make no money from this work.

 

This chapter focuses mainly on plot...there's some sexual tension/situations and some profanity, but no outright sex...don't worry...there'll be more later.

 

As always, constructive criticism is welcome.

 

Please see the first chapter for complete warnings for this piece.

 

<b>Chapter Fifteen: Swallow your pride </b>

 

Todd's face was a real conversation starter around the breakfast table. Black and blue and red all over.

 

“I think we've asked them for enough help.”

 

Of course Pietro thought it was a bad idea. He didn't like being embarrassed - especially in front of his girlfriend. `Cause that's what it would be, embarrassing. But that was better than getting their asses kicked, one by one.

 

“You telling me I can't go?” Todd scowled at him.

 

“We could train on our own. We've been slacking lately, but we do have some training.”

 

“Yeah. Right.” Lance scoffed at Pietro's plan. Todd's hopes rose that maybe somebody would take him seriously this time.

 

“This ain't working, yo.”

 

“Daddy did say he wanted to see us better ourselves.” Wanda poured herself a glass of orange juice without looking at her brother.

 

“I'd be more worried about how `Daddy' would feel about us working with the enemy.”

 

“Are they our enemies anymore? I thought they were our friends now…they helped us try to find that Salvador guy.” Fred frowned. He was very upset to find his friend Todd had been hurt.

 

“Maybe not ours…But, I think Magneto still sees them as his enemies.” Pietro attacked his waffles with more ferocity than necessary. “All right, Todd…it's your idea, you take care of it. You get it set up and I'll come…as long as it doesn't interfere with my classes.”

 

“No problem. I'll head right over after breakfast, yo.” Hopefully they'd listen to him too. Now that would be something, wouldn't it?

 

 

 

“Yo! Anybody there?” Todd pressed the intercom button again. “Hey! Mutant at the gate! Somebody talk to me.” He debated about trying to leap over the fence, but he didn't need to get laser beam (or whatever they were using now) up his ass.

 

“Whaddya want, Toad?” A gruff voice came through the speaker. Great, it was Wolverine. Oh well, at least somebody answered.

 

“I need to talk to somebody.”

 

“So talk.”

 

“Come on, yo! Face to face…You should see mine. I got my ass kicked by Salvador's gang last night.”

 

“Stay there.” A few minutes later he could see Wolverine and several of the students walking up the drive toward the gate. He looked them over anxiously. He was relieved to see Kitty among them. He hoped Wanda was right.

 

He backed away as the gate opened slowly. Wolverine walked up to him and studied his face.

 

“I didn't think you could get any uglier…Hell of a bruise there, kid.”

 

“Wow! You said Salvador's gang did that?” Kitty walked up to stand by her teacher's shoulder.

 

“They said Salvador wanted to talk to me. Then they tried to grab me.”

 

“Where's your girlfriend Todd? We ain't seen you two lovebirds lately.” Rogue strode forward and stood with her hands on her hips.

 

“She's gone …um…somewhere safe. Until we get rid of this guy, Salvador.” Todd didn't want to talk about that.

 

“Don't look like that's going too well.” Wolverine's expression softened just a little he thought.

 

“That's why I'm here, yo.”

 

“All right, this jawing in the street's gettin' old. You better come inside.” Wolverine led him inside and the gate closed behind them.

 

Twenty minutes later he was sitting in their infirmary getting checked out by a very concerned looking Jean, while Scott was listening to his story. Actually *listening* to him. Kitty was hovering nearby looking worried and Rogue looked annoyed…but she didn't leave. He also noticed that she wasn't wearing gloves.

 

“What's up Rogue…ouch!” He flinched as Jean prodded the bruise on his stomach. “Where's the gloves, yo?”

 

“Sorry.” Jean mumbled absently as she continued to poke at him.

 

“Don't need `em anymore. Professor says mah power's maturin'…this is the way it's supposed to be.” Maturing was right, she'd grown taller and well…she'd grown. Todd knew he was blushing. He wasn't used to all the attention, or being half dressed in front of so many people.

 

“So…Todd…You want our help with training. Just you or the whole Brotherhood?” Scott was hard to read with those funky glasses, but he didn't sound like he was joking.

 

“All of us…or at least as many as we can get together at one time. Pietro and Wanda are in school and the rest of us got jobs. That's how they're getting us…we can't all stay together or somebody's gonna lose their job, yo.”

 

“It's not like ya'll need money anyways. Ain't Magneto payin' for everything?” Rogue tapped her foot impatiently.

 

“He pays the bills…but he don't buy food or clothes or stuff, not even for Wanda and Pietro.” Jean was finished with her examination and Todd pulled his shirt back on. “We don't actually work for him…don't know why he's even doing that.” He shrugged.

 

“We're pretty swamped with new recruits right now…” Scott looked thoughtful. “These things seem to go in waves.”

 

“Rogue's been wanting to take on more responsibility…” Jean started to clean up the workstation.

 

“Ah don't want to be responsible for those losers…”

 

“Aw…come on Rogue…look at him…he looks like he went a couple of rounds with Wolverine or something.” Kitty nudged her friend. Damned if Wanda wasn't right…hmm.

 

“You know them better than anyone else here.” Scott added. “Here's your opportunity. If it works out, we could use more qualified trainers.”

 

“Great…” Rogue rolled her eyes. “Ah'll get with Logan and see when the Danger Room's open. Come on Toad…and don't touch anything.”

 

“Gotcha. No touching…” Todd followed her curiously, passing at least a dozen unfamiliar faces along the way. They weren't joking about being swamped. Kitty continued to hover around.

 

“So…like…um…how's everybody at the Boarding House?”

 

“Except for me…not too bad.” Todd looked at her out of the corner of his eye. She'd never shown much interest in him before…

 

“Lance…is he still?”

 

“With Wanda? Yep. How about you and fuz…er…Kurt?”

 

“We're…um…good. Friends that is…”

 

Rogue snorted and stopped to knock at an office door.

 

“Go `way.” A gruff voice answered and Rogue walked in anyway.

 

“Should she…?”

 

“Probably not…but as long as nothing gets thrown…everything's fine.”

 

“So…Wolverine has an office?” Todd stared at the little brass plate next to the door. They could hear Rogue and Wolverine's voices rising and falling.

 

“Yep.”

 

“What does he do in there?”

 

“I'm not really sure. I try not to go in there.”

 

“I can hear you! Tell Toad we'll call him later. And get him out of here.” Wolverine's voice carried through the door. “Now listen here, since when do you rate Danger Room time…”

 

“Time to go…I've still got the number.” Kitty pulled him away from the door with a hand on his shoulder.

 

“Yeah…O.K. But, somebody will call? Right?” She stopped short to look at him.

 

“Sure…If you don't hear from Rogue by tonight, you call me.” She pulled him into the kitchen to search for a pen and paper. Then she scribbled down a couple of numbers. “This is my cell, this is the main phone, and this is Ororo's personal cell…don't call that unless you have to.”

 

“Why?”

 

“She doesn't like for us to give it out…but, Wolverine keeps `dropping' his.”

 

“Oh.” Todd was a little bewildered by her helpfulness.

 

“Don't worry…we're not going to forget about you.” She gave him a friendly pat on the arm. “Do you want somebody to like…um…walk you home?”

 

“No…I'm not that helpless, yo.”

 

“Sorry. Of course not.” Kitty gave him another little pat, then led him back out the front door to the gate.

 

“Bye!” She waved at him cheerily as he began the long walk home. He could see why Pietro hadn't wanted to do this…embarrassing, definitely embarrassing. He turned and gave a little wave back at the girl before he walked out of sight. Mission accomplished…assuming they got that call.

 

 

The call came promptly at eight that night. Rogue didn't sound too pleased, but they were going to be working out almost every evening. Mostly, it would be outside on the Institute's grounds, since the Danger Room was pretty well booked. The first one would be tomorrow. Pietro grumbled and Lance rolled his eyes when they heard the particulars, but they were all going, at least this first time.

 

Their first session was a complete disaster…Rogue ran them through the “newbie” obstacle course and they got totally trashed by the automated defenses. Right in front of some real newbies who were waiting their turn. Then she chewed them out.

 

She ran them through it again…

 

And again…

 

And again…until Wolverine showed up and started in on her for holding up his group.

 

Pietro made some comment about wanting a shower and Rogue waved them off. So that was how their first session went.

 

The second one didn't go much better…but they managed to get off the field before Wolverine could start barking at their instructor.

 

The third time it rained, and Pietro and Wanda couldn't make it because they had tests in the morning. So Rogue took them in the gym and began to work on hand to hand. She kicked Lance's ass in no time flat, accusing him of relying on his powers too much. Todd thought it was funny until she turned around and kicked his ass too. Fred had the good sense not to laugh…or maybe he just didn't get the joke. She kicked his ass too, but at least she had to use her powers to do it.

 

Afterwards she gave them a critique, the good and the bad. Sometimes she sounded a little like Magneto used to, sometimes like Mystique, and sometimes she even sounded just like Wolverine. Todd wondered how on earth those three nuts could co-exist in the same skull. No wonder she'd always been so moody.

 

They headed home afterwards and it was agreed that they wouldn't say anything to Marissa if she called. When she called. She should be calling soon, right?

 

 

Marissa hurt all over. When she'd asked to learn more, she hadn't realized it was going to be like this. She'd had no idea how easy Remy had been on her before. Now that she was his “apprentice” nothing was ever quite good enough. She was black and blue from calf to shoulder - he was careful not to strike her where it couldn't be hidden under clothes.

 

And then there were the other “lessons” in his room. He was just as serious about those. She'd thought she was pretty good in the sack…Shit…he was teaching her stuff she'd never even heard about. He was very good, very attentive; he always made sure she got off, unless not getting off was part of the “lesson.” But, there was always something cool about him, no matter how intense the sex.

 

There were even more lessons. Ones that didn't involve bodies coming together whether in combat or pleasure. He taught her how to pick every lock in the place, how to duck the security cameras, how to pick a pocket - it had been funny to see John hunting for his lighter all day. She kept taking it, then leaving it somewhere odd where he'd be sure to find it. Like in the fridge, beside the beer. Or on the back of his toilet. Or even back in the same pocket she'd lifted it from - the look on his face had been priceless.

 

Then he told her why he wasn't worried about her breaking out of the place. Magneto had put some sort of tracking chip in her while she'd been drugged. If she ran, they'd just pick her back up at their leisure.

 

Even if Todd managed to bust her out, they couldn't run. The chip was supposedly deep in her body where it couldn't be removed without killing her. Except by the use of Magneto's powers, or something similar. That's how it got there in the first place.

 

That wasn't in the plan. Fuck! Fuckfuckfuckfuck!

 

Every few days or so one or more of Magneto's men would be sent off on some business for him. And Magneto was often gone himself. Someone was always left to keep an eye on her. Sometimes it was Remy, sometimes Peter, most often it was John, but never Sabertooth. Thank God.

 

Marissa used her new skills to grab a phone several times to call home. But, she never seemed to catch anyone. She thought of calling Lance's cell again, but she really wanted to talk with Todd this time. What was going on?

 

The first time John saw her naked he had been shocked at all the bruises. But, he'd still been more than happy to let her “practice” some of her new skills on him. Afterwards she borrowed his phone.

 

“Come on…you guys gotta be home sometime…” Marissa bit her lip in frustration, hoping that someone would pick up this time. It had nearly been a month since her last call. This time she'd call every number she could remember until she got someone.

 

“Hello?” Todd sounded tired…but she didn't care, it was just great to hear him.

 

“Todd! It's me.”

 

“Marissa? God! It's good to hear you. Are you O.K? You didn't call…”

 

“I did too…the phone just kept ringing. Where have you guys been?”

 

“We've been busy, yo. Working, school, trying to find Salvador and stuff…” He sounded like he was holding something back and it hurt. But, who was she to complain if he was? She was sitting naked in the middle of John's bed, using the phone while John made a run to the kitchen for some beer.

 

“Oh…I was just kinda worried. Is everything all right there?”

 

“Yeah…I asked Gambit to give you something. Did you get it?”

 

“I got it…and your message. I'm wearing it right now.” She held the little toad between her fingers.

 

“Do you like it, yo?”

 

“Yes. It's beautiful.”

 

“Just like you. I um…wanted to say something when I gave it to you.” Marissa held a finger to her lips as John returned, a couple of beers in his hands.

 

“What's that?” Marissa bit her lip as John climbed into the bed behind her, not quite touching her.

 

“I love you, `Riss.” Her throat seemed to close up and her eyes stung. “Riss?”

 

“I…” This was so wrong…So fucked up. “I love you too, Todd.”

 

“You O.K. `Riss?”

 

“Yeah…I…Nobody's ever said that to me before. I'm all weepy and shit.”

 

“Sorry. Didn't mean to make you cry, babe.”

 

“That's O.K. At least I know I still can.”

 

“You sure you're all right? Magneto's treating you all right?”

 

“Yeah…Just homesick. Missing you.” She felt John shifting restlessly behind her. “I gotta go. When's a good time to catch you guys?”

 

“After nine, most nights. Bye `Riss.”

 

“Bye.” Marissa hung up and sat silently for a moment. Then gasped as she felt a cold can of beer nudge her elbow. She took it silently and passed the phone behind her.

 

“Well, that's a rootin' mood-killer ain't it?” She felt the man shift behind her as he set the phone on the table. She sniffed and wiped at her tears with her hand.

 

“Sorry.”

 

“Bloody hell…You actually love the slimy little bastard don't you?”

 

“Yeah. This is so totally fucked up!” She swallowed hard and cracked open the beer. She took a larger swallow than was her habit and choked a little.

 

“I'll say…you staying or going?”

 

“I thought you didn't like crying `sheilas.'” Marissa took another large swallow of the beer.

 

“John's your mate, now. Have a shoulder.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to rest against his body. He let her cry against his shoulder and carefully took the beer away from her. “I was startin' to think you'd got as cold as that teacher of yours.”

 

“Sometimes I wish I was.” She sniffed again as he stroked her hair slowly. He pulled her down to lay beside him and kissed her forehead. She turned her face into his chest and clung to him as she sobbed. He petted her hair and shoulders soothingly until she relaxed and fell asleep.

 

“Better than a stuffed koala, I am…” He muttered to himself before he drifted off, too.

 

 

Marissa was in a blue funk these days. No matter how hard she pushed herself, Remy pushed her harder. Even Peter noticed. How could he not when Remy now took up most of her day when he was not on assignment and Peter's lessons had been moved to after dinner? Marissa brushed off the big guy's vague concern and tried to concentrate on her work.

 

Remy wanted something she didn't want to give him. The first couple of times he'd brought it up, she'd gotten him to drop it without too much fuss. This time he was serious, and he wasn't going to be distracted by her little tricks. Which weren't working as well as they used to…she was just too tired to crank up the lust like she had before.

 

“It's such a little thing, cher.” He kissed the back of her neck and his hands pressed her hips back against him. He was beginning to get hard again.

 

“If it were, I wouldn't mind so much. I've tried it and I didn't like it.”

 

“No. You are frightened…someone hurt you.” His breath was warm against her cheek. She so did not want to talk about this…

 

“I've done everything else you wanted me to do. Can't we just drop it?'

 

“No. Dis fear…it is a weakness. ” His lips teased her neck, traveled across her shoulders, light and warm. Marissa stiffened and he held her tighter.

 

“I have my limits, Remy.”

 

“You wish Remy to release you?” His lips stopped and his grip loosened a little.

 

“What? No…” Marissa was startled that he would make such a big deal of this one thing. She wasn't ready to give up yet. She still needed him and his lessons.

 

He pulled her tight again, resting his chin on her shoulder.

 

“Remy don' hurt you…An he will never use dis to punish you, petit.” She hated when he did that…making those leaps of thought. Almost as if he could read her thoughts and not just her emotions.

 

“I wish you wouldn't do that, it creeps me out.”

 

“Ah…So Remy is right. He use dis fear to control you, no? We will deal with dis fear…soon…but not today.” Then his lips and hands began to move again and it was hard to think of anything else.

 

 

She used to look forward to the games of chess she played with Magneto. She was learning to enjoy the game and was beginning to really value their conversations. But, that was before she'd learned of the tracking chip. That changed things…that meant this would never be over unless Magneto decided it was over…No matter how far she ran, he'd find her. Just like Salvador had. Shit.

 

“Is something wrong, my dear? You are very quiet this evening.” Magneto took one of her pawns with his knight.

 

“I've been working hard lately.” Marissa retaliated by taking the knight with one of her own pawns.

 

“I see.” He studied the board, but did not make a move. “Perhaps there is something more?”

 

“Wanda should be here, not me.”

 

“Wanda never did have the patience for chess. Or for much of anything that required sitting still. She was a very angry child.” He moved one of his bishops then sat back to wait.

 

“Not what I meant. None of my parents…foster parents…ever spent this much time with me. Not like this.” Marissa started to reach for a knight, then settled on her queen, taking his bishop.

 

The man sighed and looked tired…and much older for a moment.

 

“I don't believe that I have spent time like this with my own daughter.” He looked at her thoughtfully. Then he returned his attention to the chess board and moved one of his pawns.

 

“I know about the tracking chip.” Marissa didn't look up from the board.

 

“Ah…A precaution. In case the Brotherhood should attempt to retrieve you…prematurely.”

 

“A leash…But, at least it's a commitment of sorts. `Till death do us part.” She glanced up at him briefly, then looked at the board again. She stared at it without really seeing it.

 

“It is a small thing. Harmless. But, I wonder why the Brotherhood has not attempted a rescue?”

 

“I asked them not to. I'm not worth anyone getting killed over.”

 

“Do you think I would allow my children to be harmed?”

 

Marissa reached over and tipped her king on its side, wordlessly forfeiting the game. “It's not just Wanda and Pietro I'm worried about.” Marissa began taking pieces from the board, setting each down carefully at its edge. He watched her curiously.

 

“I don't know who you are.” She took the black king and set it on the board, along with its queen and a knight.

 

“Are you Magneto, self-appointed savior of mutant kind. Aspiring ruler over everything, no matter what the cost?” She laid the lesser pieces on their sides.

 

“Or are you Eric Lennsher, father…” She placed the white king and its queen and a knight on the opposite side of the board.

 

“Mentor…” She placed a bishop, a knight and two rooks beside the king.

 

“And teacher?” She placed a handful of white pawns on the board and looked up at him.

 

“Of course maybe you don't know who you are either.” She looked thoughtfully at the board again, and then placed a black rook on its side beside the queen.

 

“You can be one, but not the other. I know which one I prefer.”

 

“I see.” He folded his hands in front of himself, studying the board. Marissa rose from her seat and moved to stand at his elbow. She rested a hand on his shoulder and kissed him on the cheek. He looked startled by the display of affection.

 

“Good night, sir.”

 

“Good night, child.” She turned and left him alone with his chess board. He reached to right the black rook carefully and sat studying it for a long time.