Hard As Lightning, Soft As Candlelight


	Hard As Lightning, Soft As Candlelight ©2000 Joanne/Rhia/Lady Blackmour Genre: Romance/Mystery Sex Content: PG-13 Violence Content: PG-13 Language Content: just fine Characters: Original Female, X-MEN characters Prologue "What the hell is wrong with her!?" Hiding behind the doorframe, Angelie flinched at her father's harsh tone, biting her lip to prevent her cry of fear from escaping. A soft cry of pain escaped instead as her sharp, animal teeth drew blood. Her father did not hear her for the blood pounding in his ears. The poor man at the receiving end of his anger flinched noticeably and shook his head. "Sir, it is not a traditional sickness." He paused. "In recent years we have seen a change in some humans…some call it the next stage in human evolution…" "You're talking about the mutants," Angelie's father cut him off harshly. "Are you saying my daughter is a mutant?" The doctor shifted nervously. "Sir, it is the only conclusion. Cat eyes do not come from viruses, nor do claws." "My daughter is not a mutant," her father said tightly. Angelie didn't allow herself to glance back at the house as she stole through the night. She hadn't taken the time to pack many of her things. Most of them she didn't want to remember anyhow. "Angelie!" she whirled at the voice behind her. "Torrey," she murmured as he threw himself against her. "Torrey, what are you doing out here?" "Where are you going," he cried, ignoring her question and burying his face in her jacket. "Torrey," she moaned, kneeling in front of him. "I have to get away from here. Father doesn't want a freak for a daughter," she added, choking back tears. "I wanna come with you," Torrey insisted, looking up at his sister. Her feline eyes glinted back, reflecting the light. She closed them and shook her head. "No," she said forcefully. "Torrey, you have to stay here. It will be difficult for you out there…I'll barely be able to take care of myself. I won't forget you. You'll be in my heart, and someday I promise we'll meet again." She bent to hug him tightly one last time. "Be good, Torrey. I love you." "I love you too, Angelie," he sniffled. "Goodbye," she said simply, turning and walking away. She allowed herself one final look back, and when she did, Torrey was still standing there, watching her go. And his eyes were glinting at her, reflecting the light like a cat. She turned and ran. Chapter 1 The sleek black cat crept through the alley, looking for someone who might offer her food. She spotted an open door, heard the familiar sounds of a restaurant kitchen, and tiptoed to the entrance. "Mer-ooooow," she moaned, sounding hungry. One of the kitchen workers turned at the sound, smiling when he saw her. "Well hello there, my lady," he said, squatting before her and scratching her behind the ear. The cat purred. "You look hungry," he added. "I have just the thing. Don't go far." He disappeared into the kitchen and appeared a moment later with a plate of steak. "Now, don't tell, anyone," he whispered secretively as he set it down. "You'll get me in trouble. Enjoy, my lady." With one last smile, he turned to go back inside. The cat finished the meal in two seconds flat, licked her lips, cleaned her face, and turned to run down the alley. She looked to make sure no one was watching, and then slipped through a small basement window that was barely noticeable behind several trashcans. She lighted on a worn black leather couch, looked to see that no one had found her hideaway. Only when she was sure she was safe did she slowly began to change. Her ears shrunk, her legs became longer. Soon a slender young woman had replaced the sleek black cat. She was obviously underfed, but still very beautiful. Her pale skin shone in the dim lamp and her strange yellow eyes reflected the light. Her long auburn hair fell about her shoulders and her face in waves. It had been several years since Angelie had fled from her home and her father. The frightened 15-year-old had become a confident, streetwise woman of twenty-three. Since she had struck out on her own, her powers had only grown, and she had discovered more and more about them. She could almost see in the dark with her feline eyes. Her ears were sensitive to the slightest sound. She could morph into any creature feline, an ability that served best to get her dinner. And just recently, perhaps in the past year, she had discovered her slight telepathic tendencies. She was not yet sure how she felt about them, as she was not yet able to truly control them. Often she would find herself hearing thoughts she would rather not be privy to. Other times she could not make them work when she really needed to. She was fairly powerful, as mutants went, but unfortunately she could not live among men as others could because of her eyes. They gave her away as a mutant and she had quickly learned that mutants of all kinds were met with hate and fear by almost every human, and so she had taken to hiding, only coming out when she needed to eat, and then only in feline form. Nobody thought to be afraid of a little stray cat, even a black one. She always preferred black, though she wasn't sure why. Must have been her flare for the melodramatic. Angelie sighed, pulling her legs up to her chest and laying her head back against the couch. It was one of those lonely nights. She new there were others like her around. If only she could find one, perhaps a handsome one. She smiled as she closed her eyes and imagined it. Yes, tall dark and handsome, just like she used to dream about when she was little, before… This man would not care that she was different…he would probably be a mutant himself, perhaps a very powerful mutant. Perhaps not. It's not like it really mattered. Many times she had felt like giving up. It seemed that death would be so much easier than this life. But something had kept her going. Perhaps it was her animal instincts that prevented her from ending it all, the feline will to live. Perhaps it was her brother. She had promised Torrey that they would meet again. She wondered what had happened to him. That night, when she left, she had seen the beginnings of a transformation in him. It had scared the hell out of her, and she had run. She lived with incredible guilt about it. Should she have stayed there to protect him? At the time she had managed to convince herself that he was not really changing, that it was just a trick of the light. But deep down, she had never really believed that. She prayed he was all right. Perhaps the loss of his daughter had caused her father to see the cruelty of his ways. Perhaps he was so upset that he forgave Torrey for being a mutant. Right, like their father cared. There was a sound at the door and Angelie was on her feet and on her guard in an instant. There in her doorway stood a…a blue woman? Like Angelie, she had yellow eyes, but hers were not feline…they were completely alien. And so cold…so cruel…Angelie felt herself shudder. She hardened her features, determined not to let her fear show. "Can I help you?" she asked, claws ready. The woman laughed softly, but the sound was evil, and her voice sounded hollow and supernatural. She sauntered to stand right in front of Angelie. Angelie stood her ground, resisting the urge to turn and flee, or at least back away from this demon. When she stood only inches away, the blue demon smiled a little…moments later Angelie found herself at her feet. She knew she had been hit, but it had come so fast, she had hardly felt it. She felt it now. Angelie hissed angrily and jumped up, extending her claws. She hissed again and slashed at the demon. There, got her on the face. The yellow eyes hardened, and the true fight began. The next blow sent Angelie sprawling. Briefly she thought that she should morph into something ferocious…like a tigress…if she could only concentrate. But how could one ever concentrate when there was a demon trying to kill you? Baring her teeth, Angelie leapt to attack the demon, who met her in the air with her foot. This fall knocked the wind out of Angelie, who struggled to regain her breath before the demon could do anything more. Mystique leaned over her victim. The girl was struggling to get up. "That was far too easy," she said coldly. "Perhaps the master was wrong about you, little kitty." Angelie began to cry. "What do you want?" she sobbed. Mystique laughed evilly. "Why, you, my pet." "I don't think so," said a guttural voice behind her. Mystique whirled. "Ah, Wolverine. It's you. You can see I am quite healed from our last encounter. Ready to have another go at it?" "I've been waiting for it," the deeper voice growled. Vaguely, through her hazy vision, Angelie saw a tremendous fight ensue. The deeper voice belonged to a tall creature with dark hair and dark clothing. Next to him stood a considerably smaller figure, most definitely a woman. Both fought diligently against the blue demon. Angelie was too dazed to pay much attention. There was much yelling on both sides, and when it was over, Angelie suddenly opened her eyes to find herself staring into two new faces. One belonged to a young woman, as she had thought. The woman was very slight. Her hair was much the same color as Angelie's, but for a streak of white near her face. "Look at her eyes," she heard the young woman whisper, and she had a thick southern accent. "Yeah," answered the man. "They're very…different." He was very different from his companion. He had very dark hair, a good match for his dark brown eyes. He had a beard of sorts…really it was just his sideburns grown long. He was wearing all black, and the tight suit did not hide his muscular build. He was…the man of her dreams. Angelie gasped. "Don't worry, honey," said the young woman. "We won't hurt you. We'll take you to the professor, and he'll help you." "Professor…?" Angelie asked weakly. "Yeah," said the man. "He's a good guy. We'll get you cleaned up. Relax now." With that, he slid his arms beneath her and lifted her as if she didn't really exist. Angelie gasped again. Her pride wanted to insist she was fine…she could walk. But her head put up a good argument as it started to throb even more at the very thought. And so she decided to enjoy this while it lasted. She laid her head against her rescuer's shoulder and wrapped her arms around his neck. It wasn't long before she slipped into blessed unconsciousness. Rogue shook her head. "Poor girl. What do you suppose Mystique wanted with her?" Wolverine shook his head. "No telling. Not my area. Best leave that to the Professor to worry about. We gotta get her to Jean. The girl had a nasty blow to the head." Chapter 2 He was in his arms again. The arms of the man who had fought a demon to save her. He was holding her and telling her how much he loved her. He thought she was the most beautiful creature to ever walk the face of the Earth, and he didn't care if she had fangs. "I love you too," she cried, throwing her arms around his neck and holding on tight. The man smiled at her, and leaned in to kiss her. The prick in her arm startled her into wakefulness. And when she looked up, it was not the dark brown eyes of her savior that she met, but the light eyes of a woman in a white lab coat. The woman smiled. "When I did this to Logan, he nearly broke my neck. I'm so glad you are calmer than him. It's good that you're awake. My name is Dr. Jean Grey. Might I inquire what yours is?" "Angelie," Angelie replied. "But I usually go by Nimir." "Well that's all right, Nimir. Most of us here go by different names as well. Logan is known as Wolverine, Scott as Cyclops… Oh forgive me. You're probably wondering where the heck you are." Angelie nodded, and then regretted it as her head immediately began to throb. "Just outside of New York City, in Professor Charles Xavier's school for the gifted. Gifted mutants, that is." "Professor Xavier?" Angelie asked absently. In the back of her mind she wondered if this professor was her dream man. But she doubted it. The man that had saved her seemed too…rugged to be a professor. Where was he anyway? "Yes," Dr. Grey replied. "You see he is a very powerful mutant. One of the most powerful in the world, and he created this school for the children to have a safe haven to learn. He also began a group called the X-Men. I am a member. We…well, I guess you could call us defenders of men and mutants." "I see," Angelie said. "But um…who was that blue woman? And who saved me? I-I'd like to thank them…if I could." "The mutant who attacked you goes by Mystique. Nasty shape shifter. Always on the wrong side. Saved you? Oh that was Logan and Marie. Logan goes by Wolverine, Marie is Rogue. If you feel up to it, I can take you to see them." "Yes please!" The girl sounded a little too eager. Jean smiled. Though she certainly didn't see it, there was apparently something very charming about dear Logan. "All right," she said simply. "Let me help you up, and we'll go find them." She put an arm around Angelie's shoulders and helped her sit up. Angelie winced as her head began to hurt even more. She was sore and stiff all over, and she had to favor her right leg. "You took quite a beating," Jean reminded her. "You'll hurt for a couple of days at least. Easy now. I think Rogue is still in class, but she should be able to come out long enough to say hello." Jean helped her into the hallway, a long silver corridor. Angelie gasped. "This place is amazing," she breathed. Jean only smiled and pressed a button to reveal an elevator of sorts. The elevator took them to a floor that looked completely different. Like a huge house almost. "This is the school," Jean explained. The next floor up is living quarters. We'll go there next and see if Logan is in his room." The young mutant known as Rogue was indeed in a class on physics. Jean explained to the teacher then motioned for Rogue to come to the back of the room, where Angelie was waiting. Rogue was an absolutely beautiful young woman as well, and that white streak in her hair only enhanced it somehow. Angelie suddenly felt very self-conscious. She was not beautiful. She was a freak. Oh she had been told many times before the changes how lovely she was. She supposed her hair was still nice. At least it was a pretty color. But her eyes ruined it. They were animal. Who would ever find that attractive? And she had bloody fangs, for God's sake! She sighed and extended her hand to Rogue, dropping her eyes to the floor. "I just wanted to say thanks for saving my life," she murmured. Then she laughed a little bitterly. "That sounds so stupid." Rogue smiled and accepted the offered hand with her gloved one. "Not at all," she replied in her gentle southern drawl. "It was my pleasure. But I don't believe I caught your name?" "Angelie," Angelie said. "But I guess my mutant name is Nimir." "Nimir, eh? I like that. Well, I gotta get back to class. Hope to see you around, Angelie!" She ran off and sat next to a cute guy who looked to be around her age. "Oh," Jean said, startling Angelie. "Look, there's Logan. We won't have to go upstairs after all." She pointed across the room to a doorway on the other side. Angelie gasped. There he stood, her dream man. He was leaning against the doorpost on the other side of the classroom, watching the students. His arms were folded across his powerful chest, and he was dressed in jeans and a faded leather jacket. He turned and met her eyes. Angelie felt a shock go through her. Jean motioned to him and he sauntered over. He nodded to her. "Dr. Grey," he murmured formally, looking at her with something like longing in his brown eyes. Angelie felt her heart sink. "Wolverine, this is the girl you saved. She's Angelie, also called Nimir." "Nimir," Logan said, extending his hand. Angelie took it and felt herself blush. She looked up with much difficulty and met his eyes. She had amazing eyes, he thought vaguely. Of course he'd never seen anything like them. After all, they weren't human. But at the same time…they were. Her hair was lovely as well, an amazing auburn color that shone red when the light hit it in just the right way. Yes, she was a lovely girl. He'd have to get to know her better. "I just wanted to say thanks," she finally managed. "You know, there aren't a lot of people who would do that for a perfect stranger." Logan smiled sadly. "Yeah well," he said, looking again at Jean. "Someone did it for me once. I guess I'm trying to return the favor any way I can." "Well, it saved my life," Angelie said awkwardly. Angelie nodded. "Okay, sure," she shrugged. "So I guess I'll see you around…Wolverine?" He nodded. "Absolutely. Nice meetin' you, Nimir. Jean." He nodded to her. As they left, Angelie felt like screaming. She had met a man straight from her dreams. He was beautiful, he was kind, he was strong, he was soulful… And he was already in love with someone else. "Her real name is Angelie." Jean explained to the others. "She won't tell me her last name. She is 23 years old, from somewhere in New Jersey. She is a feline mutant. Now besides her obvious features, such as her eyes, and elongated canines, she also has retractable claws, and morphing abilities, similar to Mystique, but limited to felines. She told me she used to become a little black housecat and beg food at the backs of restaurants in New York. She also has limited telepathic ability." "And what are our ideas on what the hell Mystique is up to now?" Logan asked. "What do they want with Nimir?" "We don't know that yet, Logan," Professor Xavier replied. "Magneto is still in prison, so we know it can't be him…I wish I knew. The poor girl is hurting, both emotionally and physically." He shook his head. "I only hope we can help her." Angelie lay awake, listening to the sounds in the room next to her. The professor had been very kind to her, taking her in. She finally felt she had found a place where she would be accepted for who, and what, she was. But he had done something very cruel, without even knowing it. He had put her in the room next to…him. He was right in the next room. Her sensitive ears were attuned to nothing but the sound of his breathing, and he felt…oh so close. Angelie sat up. "This is stupid," she muttered to herself. "Okay, Lee, you don't even know the guy. All you know is his name. There's no such thing as love at first sight, and there's no such thing as true love." She shook her head. "It's just a stupid little crush. I'm too old for stupid little crushes. I won't let myself fall for him." She lay back down. "I'm a loner," she tried to convince herself. "I don't need anyone else." Chapter 3 "No!" Logan jerked awake. What the…? He stopped and listened for a moment. "No, daddy, please don't hurt him…" It was that new girl…Nimir. He got out of bed, alarmed. Was someone in the house? He unsheathed his claws and went to investigate. The door to her room was closed. He put his ear to the wood. Slowly, he eased the door open and looked inside. There was no one else in the room. Nimir was in her bed, alone, thrashing violently. She whimpered. "No, daddy, I won't let you…Torrey! No, please don't…TORREY!" He sighed, retracted his claws, and went to the side of her bed. She was obviously caught up in some nightmare, and dammit, he had enough of his own. He could hardly leave her in it. Nervously, he reached out and touched her shoulder lightly. "Hey, kid," he said, shaking her a little when she didn't awaken. She whimpered again and tried to squirm away from his touch. He took hold of her more forcefully and shook her harder. "Kid! Nimir…Angelie!" With a shout, she sat up, looking at him for a moment with fear in her golden eyes. Recognition came quickly and she burst into tears, hiding her face in her delicate hands. Logan looked on helplessly. "Erm…" he said, reaching out to awkwardly touch her shoulder again. "Is there anything I can do?" Without saying anything, she simply threw herself into his arms. He sat for a long moment in shock, afraid to make any sort of move lest she take it the wrong way. But she clung to him with such force, and her sobs were so heart wrenching, he found himself wrapping his arms around her, stroking her long hair, even rocking her back and forth. He was just about to be totally disgusted with himself when she spoke. "Thank you," she said simply, sniffling lightly. "I have my own nightmares." He paused. "What was it?" She inhaled sharply, and pressed herself closer to him before she answered. "When I was 15 years old, I ran away from home because my father did not want a freak for a daughter. I left my little brother Torrey. Though I felt terribly guilty, I knew I could not take care of him, and I thought he was a normal human." She paused, as if to gather her courage. "But that night, as I turned to look at him one last time, his eyes…they reflected the light…like a cat…like mine. He was changing. God knows what he has become. I was frightened, and I ran. I don't know what my father did when he found out, but I have nightmares. I don't think he's dead, because I can almost feel him…I am slightly telepathic…but my telepathy is very weak…not strong enough to know anything else or even for certain if he's alive. I feel so horrible for abandoning him." Her voice cracked and she buried her face against his chest, beginning to cry again, though calmer now. Logan thought for a moment. "I think I understand what you're going through, but…you can't blame yourself. There was only so much you could have done…" "I tell myself that all the time," she cut him off. "But I don't think my conscience really believes it." But somehow, in his arms, it didn't seem as horrible. At least her head was under his chin so he couldn't see her horrible eyes. Wolverine slept in pants only, and his body was covered in hard muscle from top to bottom, the legacy of his difficult life, facing hatred and violence wherever he went. His strong arms wrapped around her seemed to shield her from everything, even the guilt and memories. He was very warm…the heat from his body was seeping through her nightgown and quickly making her very warm too…She felt so warm, so safe. She was somewhere where she had food and shelter, and where no one would be afraid of her… "Can I call you by your real name?" she mumbled suddenly. "Logan, isn't it?" He was taken aback. "Well…yeah, sure, if you want…" "Then you must call me Angelie," she insisted. "All right…Angelie." She sighed. "It sounds so pretty when you say it." Then she fell silent. Logan realized with a start that she had fallen asleep. Her head lay against his shoulder and her little hands were against his bare chest. And he realized with another start that he liked the feel of her in his arms. The cotton nightgown she wore was very soft to the touch. It felt good against his skin. She was very light; he had noticed that when he had carried her here. There had been a time when he had scoffed at those who needed someone. He had seen them as weak. He had never needed anyone, and he had never wanted to be needed. But he had learned, since he had come here, that there was something to be said for being wanted, depended upon. Finally, he laid her back in her bed, covering her lightly. Yes, Angelie definitely needed someone…he didn't mind being that someone. Angelie woke early the next morning. It was just beginning to be light outside. She smiled. The perfect time to explore this massive place…while everyone was still in bed. She got up, quickly dressing and quietly opened her door. The hall was empty, just as she had thought it would be. She made her way down on silent feet, began exploring. The level she was on proved to be only housing. She quickly became bored with that and moved on to the downstairs area. This was mostly classrooms, as well as a few offices. The largest one at the end she was sure belonged to the Professor Xavier, whom she had yet to actually meet. It was a beautiful school, and once she had familiarized herself with it, she ventured into the lower levels… It was as she remembered it. Everything was silver and metal. There were a million rooms on either side of her. In one area there were several suits in glass cases. They all seemed to be made of leather. "Very dramatic," Angelie chuckled to herself. There were sounds coming from one of the rooms. Someone swore. She recognized the voice. Nervously, she crept to the door. With a whoosh, it opened to reveal a room set up like a gym. There was gymnastic equipment at one end, weightlifting near the door, and at the far end, boxing equipment. Logan was there, practicing on one of the punching bags. Angelie held onto a table for support. Damn, the guy was hot. Surely she wasn't the only one here who saw that. Sweat glistened on his back as he worked, and she watched the crisp muscles move back and forth. He didn't know she was watching him, which was good, because he seemed angry. It was a good thing the bag was dead, because it wouldn't have lasted long under such abuse. The anger he exuded was almost frightening in it's intensity. Yes, this would be one time he would never know she was watching him. It would, after all, suck a lot to find yourself at the wrong end of those claws. Without a sound, she crept back out the door, thankful that it slid open and shut without a sound, even to her sensitive ears. Oh yeah, she was so far gone it wasn't even funny. Damn. Damn this was bad. She was completely taken with a man who loved someone else. A beautiful, mature woman with a human face. Well, it was a fitting addition to her already totally screwed-over life. She had no family, no home, and her brother was probably dead because of her. We might as well add "unrequited love" to the list. It did, after all, make things complete, she thought bitterly. With a sigh that was probably heard throughout the school, she turned to go. She had promised Jean she would meet with Professor Xavier today. She could feel that he was awake and in his office, so now would be as good a time as any. Chapter 4 "Nimir, it is a pleasure. I have heard a lot about you," Professor Xavier smiled at her. He was not really what she had expected. The professor was a quiet man with…well, with no hair on his head. He had deep blue eyes and a beautiful, soothing voice with a hint of some kind of accent…English perhaps…no, Scottish. He had a commanding presence and probably would have been fairly tall…if he could stand up. "Um…" she replied nervously, "It's a pleasure to meet you too, sir. I've…heard a lot about you." "Well, I hope it was only good," Xavier joked. "Please do sit down." He offered her a seat next to his chair. "Now, tell me what you think of my school. Are you happy? Is everyone being kind to you?" "Um…not to be rude…but couldn't you just read my mind?" Angelie asked. Xavier chuckled. "Well, to be honest, yes. But I don't just go around reading everyone's mind. That would be an intrusion. I do know that you are slightly telepathic as well, and if you'd like, I could help you expand on this power. But for now I'd like you to tell me what you want to tell me, without benefit of mind-reading." "Okay…"Angelie settled back into her chair. "I think your school is very beautiful, sir. I've never seen such an amazing place. And…you seem to have everything here…one never need leave…" "Yes, this is true," Xavier agreed. "But we do leave fairly often, as the X-Men. And this leads me to another question, my dear. Would you like to be trained as a member of the X-Men? You have a great power, and it would be a shame not to use it." Angelie looked down at her lap. "It's not so great," she murmured. "It drove me away from my home and forced me to keep away from society. Perhaps it would have been okay if no one could see it when they looked at me, but my eyes…they mark me as a freak…and now no one will accept me, no one will ever love me…" she broke off. Xavier laid his hand on hers and waited until she met his blue eyes with her yellow ones. "We will accept you, Nimir. Look at us. We were all driven from our homes. We are all outcasts…but not here." Angelie shook her head, looking away again. "Perhaps…" was all she said for a long time. Then she turned to look at him again. "Yes," she said softly. "I would love to join your group. At least it will give me something to do. I can't really leave…where would I go? Might as well make the best of things, huh?" "Yes, I should say so." Xavier smiled a little. "And then at least I could see…" she cut herself off, realizing too late what she had said. What the hell…? Xavier leaned forward. "Yes? So you can see whom again? If I am to be your mentor, you must learn to trust me, Angelie. I promise it will go no further than this room." Angelie looked down, blushing. "Logan," Xavier suddenly said. Angelie looked up, surprised. "You…" "I didn't do anything," Xavier shook his head. "You told me." He laughed at her bewildered expression. "You did," he insisted. "Just not…aloud. Nimir," he said. "You have been with us only a couple of days. If, in that short time, you are sure that you love him, then for God's sake, do all that you can to show him. I have no doubt that you are already well aware of his affection for Jean." He smiled at her a little sadly. "Do not let that stop you. Jean will never return his feelings like he needs her too. He'll spend his entire life pursuing something that will never be his. The greatest lovers in history had many obstacles to overcome…Now then. We will begin your training tomorrow, I promise. You must learn to mater your abilities so that they may be accessible to you at any time with little effort. I'll see you in here at 8:00 tomorrow. Do I have your promise?" "Yes…" she said simply, still dazed by all he had said to her. "What is your excuse this time?" Mystique flinched at her master's angry words. "An unexpected complication," she tried to explain. "Wolverine showed up, and he brought that girl with him. She almost touched me." "You fool," Vertigo hissed. "She is not quick enough for that." Mystique glared at her master. "Perhaps not, but I do not care to take the chance."Vertigo narrowed her eyes. "Very well. But I will not accept excuses next time. Nimir's powers would be even more potent than her brothers, and if we had them both on our side…we would be nearly invincible." "She's with them now," Mystique pointed out. "Xavier will talk with her, and, and she will not sympathize with our cause." "She spent many years on her own, shunned by humans and forced to live like a rat in a hole. It should not be hard to undo whatever damage Xavier has done. Besides," she smiled coldly. "With enough time…anyone can be properly broken." Chapter 5 "Never want to fly, never want to leave, Never want to say what you mean to me. Never want to run, frightened to believe You're the best thing about me." -"The Best Thing," Savage Garden Weeks passed fairly uneventfully. Angelie spent her mornings with Xavier and the rest of her days with Logan, whenever possible. From the start, they had seemed to have some sort of connection, and though Angelie had had little hope at first, their quickly growing friendship had made her think that, perhaps he just might begin to love her a little…someday. On this particular day, they were just getting ready to take a run around the school grounds…they couldn't risk going outside the gates because Xavier still didn't know what Mystique had wanted with Angelie, and refused to let her out of his sight for now. Which was really fine with her, because it gave her a chance to spend more time with Logan. Logan himself was not really sure how he felt about Angelie. The feelings he did harbor for her were different from any he had felt before. They were not the big brother sentiments he held for Rogue, but nor were they the same as the affection he felt for Jean. It was something different, stronger, and purer. And whatever they were, they were making him want to see her more and more. They understood each other, they did. He talked with her more easily than anyone in his life that he remembered. Hell, he only remembered fifteen years, but it was enough… "You know, I think the professor is trying to drive me insane," Angelie said conversationally one day as they were stretching before the run. Logan looked up. "Yeah? And how's he goin' about that?" She grinned at him. "Well, for one thing, those telepathy exercises are exhausting. Every time I come out of there I feel like my brain is leaking out my ears. And now he won't let me outside the gates…even to go for a run." Logan smiled at her. "You don't mind either one and you know it," he teased her. She sighed. "Okay, you're right. You know me too well. I'm not even coming close to stir crazy and I'd be happy to stay in here for the rest of my life. And I like strengthening my mind." "Yeah, that's what I thought." "Oh, is that what you thought?" she demanded, moving to stand right before him and looking up at him fiercely. "Yeah, you heard me. Now don't make me teach ya a lesson." "Oh, I tremble. I shudder. God help me." "Smart mouth." "Beefcake." "Ouch," Logan flinched. "I think we should start running before you get really nasty." "Rowr," Angelie gave a feline growl as she and Logan began their run. They ran the perimeter of the school grounds, a formidable distance, if the truth were told. It was a beautiful spring morning, and early, so that the mist was not quite burned off. A very romantic setting, Angelie thought to herself a little sadly, because that thought only made her wish all the more that Logan would love her. It looked to be a beautiful day, but, as always with springtime, appearances were deceiving. The sky became dark as thunderheads gathered, blocking out the sun. "Looks like we're in for a storm," Angelie pointed to the sky. "Nah, we've got a while yet," Logan replied, looking up. "We'll have time to get back before the rain starts." But he was wrong. A bolt of lightning and a crack of thunder was the only warning before the heavens opened and water came pouring down on them. Angelie laughed and spread her arms out, closing her eyes and raising her face up to the sky. "Rain!" she sighed. "I haven't played in the rain since I was very small…" "Yeah, well, why don't we play another time…?" Logan said nervously. "Like when it's not lightning." "Oh don't be such a wimp," Angelie replied, grinning at him. "We'll be fine." Logan waved his hand in front of her face. "Hi. Remember me, the human lightning rod? I'd really rather get under cover." "Oh, right." Angelie giggled. "I forgot." "Yeah well," was all he said as he grabbed her hand and dragged her into the stables, the closest shelter. Angelie shook the water out of her hair and turned to look out the open doors at the downpour. "So how long do you think this will last?" she asked. "Ha. Don't ask me. I thought we had a long time before it started, remember? I think it did that just to spite me." "You're very paranoid," Angelie teased him. "You say that like it's a bad thing." Angelie shook her head at him and petted the head of the horse next to her. The animal, made nervous by the storm, appreciated the soothing touch and whickered with pleasure. "You're a very pretty boy," she whispered to him, giving him a pat on the neck before she turned back to Logan. He was watching her, an unreadable look on his face. "Logan?" She was so beautiful. Why hadn't he noticed it before? Sure, he'd thought she was pretty, but never beautiful. But now…her auburn hair was curling around her face in damp ringlets, her eyes, alien, but amazing, stared at him cutiously. Her damp tank top and running shorts clung to her slender figure, accentuating her curves and her long legs. Logan felt a sudden stab of desire, like a white-hot blade, run through him as he imagined holding her close, kissing her soft red lips, imagined what it would be like to feel her soft, bare skin against his, free of all barriers… "Logan." He blinked. "Huh?" "Are you okay?" Angelie asked, looking concerned at she came to stand just before him. "Um…fine. I was…just thinking…did you say somethin'?" he replied a little absently. "I was just saying I was cold," she shrugged. Being cold was completely beyond him, at this point, but he didn't say anything, simply went to where she was standing, hugging herself and shivering, and pulled her close to him. "Here, I'll keep you warm," he whispered gruffly, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close to his body. Oh, and it didn't take him long to warm her up. Almost as soon as their bodies touched, she had more than enough warmth to spare. She looked up at him and their eyes met. She cocked her head in surprise. In this light, his eyes looked an emerald green, rather than the brown she knew them to be. She wanted to say something about that, but was afraid that speaking would break the spell, shatter the fragile moment they now seemed to find themselves in, and she wouldn't have done that for the world. Moments like these had to be cherished, because she never knew when one like it would come again. Logan stared at her for a long time, stared at her soft, full lips, parted by some instinct hidden in her subconscious. She was so beautiful, so kind, so giving… Barely realizing what he was doing, he brought his hand up to cup her cheek, and lowered his mouth to hers. Angelie gasped when his lips met hers, her eyes closing and her body trembling with excitement. God, was this actually happening? It seemed impossible, but it was. Her arms slid up and around his neck as his hands slid down to her waist to pull her closer to him, then up to her back to hold her there. He massaged her back gently as he deepened the kiss, parting her lips gently and exploring her mouth with his tongue. She was shy at first in her own invasion of his mouth, but soon overcame her fear and returned his kiss with equal fervor. Sweet. God, she tasted so sweet. And she was so damned pliant, so responsive to his kiss. He never wanted this to end, but at the same time, he wanted more. Like an explosion in his brain, it came to him. Love. He loved her. He loved her more than he had ever loved Jean. She had only been here a few weeks, but in a way he had known the moment he saw her. And in the short time they had had together, his instincts had only been proven right. He loved her. Immediately, panic filled him, and he broke the kiss, pushing her away a little roughly. Angelie was surprised, disappointed, and, yes, frightened. Had she done something wrong? "Logan?" she asked nervously. He shook his head. No, he couldn't…he couldn't risk loving her and not having her return his feelings. It had happened to him once with Jean and the pain had been nearly unbearable. To have it happen again, with Angelie, would be worse than hell on earth. "Logan, what is it?" she asked in a small voice, more frightened now than ever. "I'm sorry…" he whispered hoarsely. She shook her head. "Sorry? Logan, I don't…" She took a step toward him He backed away like an animal in a trap. "I'm sorry," he repeated. "I shouldn't have…" Without another word, he turned and bolted out of the stables, through the still-pouring rain, across the grounds to the school, leaving Angelie feeling like he had ripped her heart to shreds and flung the pieces on the dirty, hay-covered floor. Chapter 6 "Okay, so I'm really bored." Angelie said to herself as she paced up and down her bedroom. "Need something to do. Something to do…" She sighed. "Maybe I could…work out, or something…there's gotta be something in that gym that I can do." She changed into a sports bra, tank top, and gym shorts, and set off. She hadn't gone to the gym since she had inadvertently run across Logan in there, the day she had known for sure her feelings for him were more than superficial. She had felt a connection to him, something in her mind and her heart. Something she had never felt before. Something like the connection she felt to Torrey, but at the same time completely different.Xavier had been little help, although she admitted she had hardly told him everything, being too embarrassed and rather too shy to tell him the extent of her feelings for Logan. Hell, even telling him she loved Logan had been a mistake, a slip of her untrained mind. It wouldn't happen again. Logan stalked the metallic halls of the X-Men headquarters. He was not having a good day. He had gotten little sleep last night, plagued more than usual by his nightmares, and had woken to Scott bitching at him about God knew what. (He hadn't actually listened well enough to tell.) It sure would be nice to kill something…but as he was unable to do that, it would have to suffice to severely injure something in the gym. He froze suddenly as he neared the doors. There was an odd sound inside…it sounded almost like an animal of some sort…feline…he sniffed the air…Angelie…was she in trouble? <snikt> He unsheathed his claws, raising them as he leapt through the open doors. The panther looked at him with what could only be shock. He raised his claws, moved toward it threateningly and it…shook its head? Logan paused. His eyes widened as the shape of the cougar suddenly began to change, morphing to reveal Angelie where it had stood. Logan sheathed his claws again. He looked at her oddly. She looked back shyly. "What," he said, "are you doing?" Angelie blushed and looked down. "Well, I was bored. I don't have anything to do around here, so I figured…well, when Mystique attacked me, I couldn't morph into anything cause I had to think about it too long…I thought….well I thought maybe if I practiced I could get better at it…" Suddenly Logan chuckled. "I've never seen anything like that before, girlie. That was pretty cool. What else can you do?" Angelie grinned. "Jeez, for a second there I thought you thought I was totally nuts," she stuttered. Logan shook his head. "No, not totally." Angelie gave him a look. "Well, I can do…that, pretty much. I can morph…only into felines. You name it, and I can do it." "And your eyes? Can you, say, see in the dark?" Logan cocked his head. "Um…sort of…I can see pretty well." "Fair enough. Show me some of this morphing. Can you do a tiger?" "Oh, please. That's easy!" Angelie scoffed. Some time later, Angelie lay on the floor in the middle of the gym. "I," she said simply, "am absolutely pooped." Once they had exhausted Angelie's morphing skills, Logan had begun to teach her to box. He was immensely skilled in several fighting styles, but for some reason could not seem to remember where he had come by these skills. He had told her reluctantly that he didn't remember anything of his life before the last fifteen years, the time before he had his claws. Angelie had mentioned the work she had been doing with Xavier and thought perhaps she could try to read his mind for some sort of clue, but he had quickly refused. "Not again," he had said, as if to himself, and she had been thoroughly confused. Now, he merely chuckled at her. "Well, I suppose I worked ya pretty hard, eh?" She looked at him incredulously. "That's only the understatement of the century," she replied. "But you're not bored anymore, are you?" Logan asked. "Okay, no I'm not." Angelie laughed. "Believe me, I know how you feel. Xavier tried to keep me inside once too. But that was before he knew me." Angelie laughed again at his boasting tone. "Something tells me you didn't listen for very long." Logan snorted. "Hardly…" he stopped suddenly. "Hey…" he said, looking down at her mischievously, "You up fer a movie, Angelie?" Angelie sat up. "Movie…?" Logan grinned evilly. "Yeah…a movie. They just re-released The Exorcist. You like scary movies?" "Well, yeah, but…what about Mystique? Isn't it dangerous…?" "Hell, Mystique's no problem," Logan scoffed. "I can protect you," he insisted, extending his claws with a distinct <snikt> for emphasis. "Well…I…." Angelie laughed. "Okay, yeah, let's go for it. It'll be an adventure, right?" "Right," Logan agreed. "Change into something warm and I'll meet you in the garage in ten minutes." "I'll be there," Angelie promised, running out of the gym. Ten minutes later, she snuck into the garage. Soon after she had come, Jean had bought her some new clothes, since she hadn't been able to bring any with her. She had dressed in some warm flared jeans, turtleneck and warm fleece jacket. Spring was beginning to take the edge off the cold during the day, but it still got pretty chilly in the evening. At the last minute, she had grabbed a pair of sunglasses to hide her telltale eyes. Logan turned at the sound of her footsteps. She looked very pretty, he thought. She had brushed her hair, which had gotten fairly messy during her "lessons," and it shone in the low light of the garage. Her strange yellow eyes glinted at him in the darkness. "You ready?" was all he finally said. She smiled at him, revealing sharp, elongated canines. "Absolutely. Let's go." "Right. We'll take the bike. It's Scott's, but believe me, I appreciate it much more." He led her to where the bike rested, a sleek black thing that almost reminded her of an animal. "It's beautiful," she whispered reverently, reaching out to caress its gleaming black surface. "Yeah, ain't it?" Logan replied, climbing on the bike. "Hop on behind me," he commanded. Angelie didn't have to be told twice. She immediately climbed on the bike behind him, wrapping her arms around his chest. A light shock of electricity thrilled through her at the contact. She shuddered, but grinned all the same. "Cold?" Logan asked. "No, of course not," she replied quickly. "Good," he said, starting the engine. "Because it's about to get a lot colder. Hang on." Angelie barely had time to comply before he punched the accelerator and they were off, screaming down the road and out the gates, which opened automatically from the inside. They soon found themselves screaming down a darkened road towards town. The trees grew up from either side to form a natural canopy, through which could be seen bits of fading blue sky. Angelie held on tightly as she threw back her head and breathed deeply. She'd never been on a motorcycle before, and it was quite an experience. Of course, it didn't hurt that she was smashed against Logan, but that was beside the point, right? Logan closed his eyes for a second, breathing deeply. He quickly opened them again to avoid going off the road and smiled faintly. This was what he loved: speed. It was exhilarating, liberating, it made him forget for a little while who and what he was, who and what he had become… He was almost sorry when they reached the theatre. Angelie was very sad. Logan parked the bike, and she reluctantly relinquished her hold on him, climbing down from the bike, lowering her head as she put on her sunglasses. "Okay," she said, "what shall we see? Which movie is manly enough for the Wolverine?" Logan looked at the marquee. "This is it, eh? Kinda pitiful, if you ask me. Okay, let's see…" "Hollow Man," Angelie finished for him. He looked at her. "You're joking." "I am not," she returned. "C'mon, Logan! It's the Invisible Man! I love that book! Please, please, please!!" Logan sighed a long, heartfelt sigh. "All right, fine," he conceded. *** Logan slowed the motorbike as they neared the school. By the time they reached the gates, it was barely humming. Logan stopped at the gate, punched in a code in a keypad, and the gate swung open. He parked the bike inside the garage and they climbed off. "Looks like we're home free," Logan whispered to Angelie, and she could hear the smile in his voice. She was about to reply when there was a click, and light flooded the garage. Cyclops was leaning against the door. Angelie couldn't see his eyes, of course, but she was pretty sure he was glaring. "Dammit, Wolverine, keep your dirty paws off my bike. And what the hell were you doing taking Nimir out of the school? And while we're on the subject, Nimir, what the hell were you doing going out with him?" He shouted. Angelie felt an angry surge on the edge of her consciousness as Logan clinched his fists and bared his teeth. "Look, pretty boy, don't you go thinkin' you can tell me what to do, cause I'd have very little problem with destroying your chance of ever fathering children…" "Wait!" Angelie cut in, running between the two. "Okay, guys, let's hold it right there, because Cyclops, I very highly doubt that he's bluffing, and Logan, you don't want to do anything you'd regret later." "I wouldn't regret it…" Logan began. "Look!" she cut him off. "It wasn't Logan's fault, okay? I was getting restless and he was just being nice, and as for what I was doing with him, he's been a lot damned friendlier to me since I got here than you, so I don't know why you think you can talk, and as for the bike, there was no harm done, and we brought it right back, so why don't you just pull the stick out of your ass and move on!?" That said, she grabbed Logan by the hand and tugged him through the door and into the school. He was too surprised by her outburst to pose any resistance, and Cyclops was too stunned to think of a reply until she was long gone. Logan finally recovered when they were outside their rooms. He laughed a little. "That was impressive," he said. "You really shut the old One-Eyed Wonderboy up good." She laughed too. "Well, he was being a bastard, what could I do?" She smiled at him. "Thank you for a lovely evening, Logan. Even if the movie did suck, I still had a great time. It was quite an adventure." "Yes, it was an adventure, and yes, the movie sucked a lot," he agreed. "I'm never letting you pick again." Angelie gave an exaggerated sigh. "A girl makes one mistake, and she's branded for life…Oh well. Thank you again." Silence fell for a moment as they merely stared at each other, not certain what to say, but not wanting to part company either. Suddenly, on an impulse, Angelie reached up and kissed him lightly on the cheek. The kiss was light, but filled with tenderness. She stood back, blushed to the roots of her hair, and turned to run inside her room, closing the door behind her. Logan smiled. He knocked on her door. "What?" came the overly casual reply. "I'll see you tomorrow and we can work a little more on your fighting skills, Angelie," he said through the wood. "Fine," she said quickly. "Goodnight." Logan chuckled. All this happiness. He was so unused to it, that it was almost unnerving. It seemed there was hardly a time when he wasn't smiling with Angelie. He shook his head, thoroughly confused, and went inside his own room. Chapter 7 Weeks passed fairly uneventfully. Angelie spent her mornings with Xavier, Tho thankfully kept silent about her little adventure and her explosion towards Cyclops, though she had little doubt he was fully aware of the entire event, and the rest of her days with Logan, whenever possible. From the start, they had seemed to have some sort of connection, and though Angelie had had little hope at first, their quickly growing friendship had made her think that, perhaps he just might begin to love her a little…someday. On this particular day, they were just getting ready to take a run around the school grounds…Angelie had decided it was best not to tempt fate a second time and Logan had reluctantly agreed, which left her pretty much trapped inside the gates. Which was really fine with her, because it gave her a chance to spend more time with Logan. Logan himself was not really sure how he felt about Angelie. The feelings he did harbor for her were different from any he had felt before. They were not the big brother sentiments he held for Rogue, but nor were they the same as the affection he felt for Jean. It was something different, stronger, and purer. And whatever they were, they were making him want to see her more and more. They understood each other, they did. He talked with her more easily than anyone in his life that he remembered. Hell, he only remembered fifteen years, but it was enough… "You know, I think the professor is trying to drive me insane," Angelie said conversationally one day as they were stretching before the run. Logan looked up. "Yeah? And how's he goin' about that?" She grinned at him. "Well, for one thing, those telepathy exercises are exhausting. Every time I come out of there I feel like my brain is leaking out my ears. And this staying inside thing is starting to get to me, if you have to know the truth." Logan smiled at her. "You don't mind either one and you know it," he teased her. She sighed. "Okay, you're right. You know me too well. I'm not even coming close to stir crazy, thanks to you and your lessons and I'd be happy to stay in here for the rest of my life. And I like strengthening my mind." "Yeah, that's what I thought." "Oh, is that what you thought?" she demanded, moving to stand right before him and looking up at him fiercely. "Yeah, you heard me. Now don't make me teach ya a lesson." "Oh, I tremble. I shudder. God help me." "Smart mouth." "Beefcake." "Ouch," Logan flinched. "I think we should start running before you get really nasty." "Rowr," Angelie gave a feline growl as she and Logan began their run. They ran the perimeter of the school grounds, a formidable distance, if the truth were told. It was a beautiful spring morning, and early, so that the mist was not quite burned off. A very romantic setting, Angelie thought to herself a little sadly, because that thought only made her wish all the more that Logan would love her. It looked to be a beautiful day, but, as always with springtime, appearances were deceiving. The sky became dark as thunderheads gathered, blocking out the sun. "Looks like we're in for a storm," Angelie pointed to the sky. "Nah, we've got a while yet," Logan replied, looking up. "We'll have time to get back before the rain starts." But he was wrong. A bolt of lightning and a crack of thunder was the only warning before the heavens opened and water came pouring down on them. Angelie laughed and spread her arms out, closing her eyes and raising her face up to the sky. "Rain!" she sighed. "I haven't played in the rain since I was very small…" "Yeah, well, why don't we play another time…?" Logan said nervously. "Like when it's not lightning." "Oh don't be such a wimp," Angelie replied, grinning at him. "We'll be fine." Logan waved his hand in front of her face. "Hi. Remember me, the human lightning rod? I'd really rather get under cover." "Oh, right." Angelie giggled. "I forgot." "Yeah well," was all he said as he grabbed her hand and dragged her into the stables, the closest shelter. Angelie shook the water out of her hair and turned to look out the open doors at the downpour. "So how long do you think this will last?" she asked. "Ha. Don't ask me. I thought we had a long time before it started, remember? I think it did that just to spite me." "You're very paranoid," Angelie teased him. "You say that like it's a bad thing." Angelie shook her head at him and petted the head of the horse next to her. The animal, made nervous by the storm, appreciated the soothing touch and whickered with pleasure. "You're a very pretty boy," she whispered to him, giving him a pat on the neck before she turned back to Logan. He was watching her, an unreadable look on his face. "Logan?" She was so beautiful. Why hadn't he noticed it before? Sure, he'd thought she was pretty, but never beautiful. But now…her auburn hair was curling around her face in damp ringlets, her eyes, alien, but amazing, stared at him curiously. Her damp tank top and running shorts clung to her slender figure, accentuating her curves and her long legs. Logan felt a sudden stab of desire, like a white-hot blade, run through him as he imagined holding her close, kissing her soft red lips, imagined what it would be like to feel her soft, bare skin against his, free of all barriers… "Logan." He blinked. "Huh?" "Are you okay?" Angelie asked, looking concerned at she came to stand just before him. "Um…fine. I was…just thinking…did you say somethin'?" he replied a little absently. "I was just saying I was cold," she shrugged. Being cold was completely beyond him, at this point, but he didn't say anything, simply went to where she was standing, hugging herself and shivering, and pulled her close to him. "Here, I'll keep you warm," he whispered gruffly, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close to his body. Oh, and it didn't take him long to warm her up. Almost as soon as their bodies touched, she had more than enough warmth to spare. She looked up at him and their eyes met. She cocked her head in surprise. In this light, his eyes looked an emerald green, rather than the brown she knew them to be. She wanted to say something about that, but was afraid that speaking would break the spell, shatter the fragile moment they now seemed to find themselves in, and she wouldn't have done that for the world. Moments like these had to be cherished, because she never knew when one like it would come again. Logan stared at her for a long time, stared at her soft, full lips, parted by some instinct hidden in her subconscious. She was so beautiful, so kind, so giving… Barely realizing what he was doing, he brought his hand up to cup her cheek, and lowered his mouth to hers. Angelie gasped when his lips met hers, her eyes closing and her body trembling with excitement. God, was this actually happening? It seemed impossible, but it was. Her arms slid up and around his neck as his hands slid down to her waist to pull her closer to him, then up to her back to hold her there. He massaged her back gently as he deepened the kiss, parting her lips gently and exploring her mouth with his tongue. She was shy at first in her own invasion of his mouth, but soon overcame her fear and returned his kiss with equal fervor. Sweet. God, she tasted so sweet. And she was so damned pliant, so responsive to his kiss. He never wanted this to end, but at the same time, he wanted more. Like an explosion in his brain, it came to him. Love. He loved her. He loved her more than he had ever loved Jean. She had only been here a few weeks, but in a way he had known the moment he saw her. And in the short time they had had together, his instincts had only been proven right. He loved her. Immediately, panic filled him, and he broke the kiss, pushing her away a little roughly. Angelie was surprised, disappointed, and, yes, frightened. Had she done something wrong? "Logan?" she asked nervously. He shook his head. No, he couldn't…he couldn't risk loving her and not having her return his feelings. It had happened to him once with Jean and the pain had been nearly unbearable. To have it happen again, with Angelie, would be worse than hell on earth. "Logan, what is it?" she asked in a small voice, more frightened now than ever. "I'm sorry…" he whispered hoarsely. She shook her head. "Sorry? Logan, I don't…" She took a step toward him He backed away like an animal in a trap. "I'm sorry," he repeated. "I shouldn't have…" Without another word, he turned and bolted out of the stables, through the still-pouring rain, across the grounds to the school,leaving Angelie feeling like he had ripped her heart to shreds and flung the pieces on the dirty, hay-covered floor. to be continued...