The Briar Patch

She was responsible for the nightmares.

For the shadows that metamorphosed into demons; for the curve of a doll's smile that became a leer; for the sheets that changed into probing hands; for the mirror that reflected darkness.

It was her fault that the nights stretched in front of her, like a briar-patch through which she would struggle, caught and scratched on the barbs of memory. High, thorny hedges surrounded the only thing that would bring her freedom.

In her dreams, she approached it, brushing against it before waking, trembling and nauseous. It was not her, was it? Surely it was some other woman who was so powerless, so unable to defend herself from their violation? Another woman who was curled up with her head on her knees, sobbing as if her salty tears would cleanse her?

Ms Marvel. This must be another of Carol Danvers' memories that was resurfacing months later, after she believed that they were seperated forever. After all, Hank had said that no-one knew exactly how her powers functioned. That was the only rational explanation. The only one she could face without shame, or disgust. Without feeling as if everything about her was filthy.

Consequently, she hid the truth within a prison of thorns, sentencing herself to the same untouchable fate. Remembering in the depths of her subconscious the feel of unfriendly hands on her skin, branding her as impure and weak for not having the strength to resist them. Ensuring that she would never be mishandled again.

The nightmares were the price she paid for living a lie.

DISCLAIMER: All characters belong to Marvel and are not used to make me a slender, brass penny. (Darn!) All comments to brucepat@iafrica.com - requests for archiving will be entertained, if you wish to have something as dark and nasty as this on your page, but MST3K and Pop_Up will be given the cold shoulder. :) On a personal note, this story is told from Rogue's perspective and no way reflects my personal PoV on abuse and the victim's culpability in it. Victims of abuse often feel responsible for the event, and it was that idea that I was conveying. Em, this one is for your challenge. I have the greatest respect for you, because I found it well-nigh impossible to tell a story in under 350 words. :) Coda-buffs: this story takes place sometime after Rogue went through the Siege Plot-device . . . uh . . . Perilous and before her relationship with Gambit