Disclaimer: I do not own the X-Men. Never have, never will. They all belong to Marvel. But Ame belongs to me. Mine, Mine, Mine, Mine, Mine. Read on and enjoy.
AND THE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM
(Ame-2 month old)
"Ame N’Dare Monroe. Why didn’t you name her Wallace?"
"I had intended to, but Natsuko was adamant that I not do so. She did not feel that the names went well together. "Ame" was connection enough to their family."
"Why?"
"Because Rafe chose the name."
"What?"
"Once we were engaged, we of course discussed having children. If we were to have a girl, he wanted her to be called "Ame".
"Should’a called her ‘Arashiko’." Logan said with a smirk.
"Actually Logan, that was a consideration. But we felt that would be… too much."
"Why, what does Arashiko mean?"
"Child of Storm, Storm’s Child… something along those lines."
"Yeah, that would’ve been just too cutesy."
"I’m goin’ t’get a beer. Anybody want one… Storm?"
"You are a riot."
"That’s what you’re payin’ pay me for."
He went in the house, leaving Storm, Jean, Sam, Kitty, Bobby… and Ame on the back porch. Ame, lying on her mother’s lap happily gurgled as Ororo moved her legs around in a cycling motion. This was as much for coordination and exercise as it was for play. The child didn’t care what the reasons for this action was; she was simply enjoying herself.
"Where is Gambit? He’s been disappearing a lot lately."
"…I am certain, he is keeping out of trouble. I would not worry."
"Scott is getting annoyed. He’s missed four Danger Room sessions, without giving a reason and was not around for the last mission."
"Jean… Remy has his reasons. I ask you to trust me in this. He is not being irresponsible and there is indeed a reason behind his actions. But I would ask you not to question me any further on this topic. I know Remy will come forward eventually, but for now…"
"Just one question Storm. Is he in any trouble or danger?"
"No. None at all. Not even close to it."
"Then that’s all we need to know."
Ame made a fussing noise just then.
"Oh, she is hungry." Ororo said. She picked Ame up and proceeded to unfasten one of the straps of her summer dress.
"Uh… You know what? I just remember I promised Scott I’d help him tune up the Blackbird today! I better get goin’!" Bobby spat out as he quickly stumbled to his feet.
"Wait! Ah’ll go with ya! Ah can help!" Sam said, running right behind Bobby.
"Cowards!" Kitty yelled after them.
"Dang right! And proud of it!" They could hear Bobby yell back from inside.
* * * * *
"‘Nother pretty one. Maybe I should leave you with a nice little scar t’grow up with. Right from under yer eye down to yer chubby little chin."
At the sound of the voice above her bassinet, Ame opened her eyes. She grinned widely at the new face looking down at her.
"What are you smilin’ at?" Marrow spat at the newborn.
Ame raised her arms and made the grabbing motion with her fingers she did when she wanted to be picked up. Storm, who had just come upon the scene, stood in the shadows of the doorway observing. She wanted to yell at Marrow-- to yank her away from her child. But something within her prevented Ororo from doing so.
Ame began to whine, when it was apparent this person would not hold her.
Ororo swallowed with some difficulty.
"Pick her up."
Marrow spun around pulling a bone knife as Storm stepped out from the shadows.
"Put the bone down and pick Ame up."
Marrow grinned devilishly. "Boy, you have lost it lady. You remember who you’re talkin’ to?"
"I am well aware of whom I am talking to. It does not change the fact that Ame wants to be held by you. At this point it is my sole pleasure to spoil this child with as many hugs as she wishes… even if they are from you."
"And if I dropped her?"
"You would hit the ground before she did. And you would not be getting up again… ever."
Ame began to cry. Ororo walked over and picked her up, but the child was still crying and reaching for Sara.
"She sick or somethin? Blind? I thought kids are supposed ta be scared of monsters."
Ame cried louder and tried to stretch further.
"I’m outta here. That kid’s too weird. Even for me."
She dropped the bone and turned to leave. Ororo clamped a hand on the younger girl’s shoulder and spun her around.
"This is not a request Sara. Since she seems to desire it, you will hold this child."
The look in Ororo’s eye was one Marrow had only seen a few times before. She had learned - the hard way - that it was not a look to be trifled with.
She hesitantly held out her arms and Ororo gently placed Ame in them. The child immediately stopped the crying and fidgeting and smiled. She started cooing and reached up to touch Marrow’s face.
"Why—What? Why isn’t she afraid of me?" Sara sounded lost. This was confusing her. She had expected—hoped actually—to frighten Ame. She thought it would be easy—lean over the crib, stick out her tongue, growl... That should have been enough. But she was smiling at her and seemed-- happy.
"What’s wrong with her? Why doesn’t she hate me?"
"Children do not know how to hate Sara. We teach them that." She gently stroked the top of Ame’s head. "And there is much we can learn from them." Storm took a breath. "I feel I should apologize to you Sara. Not for ripping your heart from your chest. You left me no choice in that matter. After you joined us, I never gave you a chance. I was set in mind that you were an evil, manipulative and shallow souled creature. The kind of person you pretend and believe yourself to be. It is for that I apologize. Were you truly that person, Ame would not be taking to you as she is now. Children have an insight into people. Outward behavior or appearances do not fool them. I trust Ame’s instincts." She paused. "Your cover has been blown, Sara."
Sara looked from Ame to Ororo, then back again. She narrowed her eyes.
"Look, I don’t know what kinda game you’re playin’ but it ain’t funny! So take your damn kid ba--"
Ame had wrapped her tiny hand around one of the angry girl’s fingers.
Sara shook her head. "Why don’t you hate me? What’s wrong with you?" She asked, almost forgetting Ororo was there.
"I have a proposal for you Sara. We do not have to be friends right now. But I will stop hating you, if you stop hating yourself so much."
She tried pulling her finger away, but Ame only held on tighter.
"Ame seems to think there is something in you worth liking. Why not give her the benefit of the doubt."
"I—I don’t understand. I don’t understand why…"
Ame started to laugh.
"Perhaps you do not need to."
Sara unconsciously began to lightly bounce Ame.
Ororo reached into the bassinet and pulled out a small white blanket. "I was going to take Ame for a walk in the forest. Would you like to come?"
"…"
"Sara?"
"…I--nothin’ else t’do—right now. But just this once!"
"You may carry her if you like."
"Well… she don’t seem ta wanna let go of my finger, so I guess I have to."
"I guess so." Ororo held the door open for Sara and Ame to walk through.
"But just so you know, I will be wanting her back."
Ame giggled.
The End.
What do ya think? Talk to me! stormgates@hotmail.com . Next up: (Who is) "Jerri".