The Mutant Sue Virus, Chapter Fifty Two: In the Light of Day.

[ginevrasm.livejournal.com]

Title: The Mutant Sue Virus:

Chapter Title: In the Light of Day.

Fandom: X-Men, Comics Universe, Earth-6916 Rating: 18+ Warnings: Graphic Sexual situations. Disclaimer: The recognizable characters and the setting used here are the property of Marvel Comics. Those characters described as “Mutant Sues” or “Mary Sues” are the property of Ladydeathfaerie, Nanaea, Dazzledfirestar, SilverFoxChan, and Ginevra. This story is inspired by, and is intended as a sequel to Dazzledfirestar’s “The Mary Sue Virus” and is written with her permission by Ginevra with lots of input from the above-mentioned ladies. Beta and plot bunny wrangling credit goes to Ladydeathfaerie. We make no money from this work. Enjoy.

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Chapter Fifty Two: In the Light of Day.

The night had been a gut churning misery. The ship had lurched and swayed like a drunken tourist at Mardi Gras. Sleep had been impossible; there was too much danger of being thrown from his bunk. Logan had gotten enough amusement out of his mad dash to the head. He’d be damned if he’d give the man the satisfaction of seeing him fall out of bed like a child.

Aside from the entertainment provided by Remy’s weak stomach, Logan was ill tempered even for him. While he seemed immune to the dreadful misery of seasickness, he was frustrated by the confinement. The man didn’t like being helpless any more than Remy did. Perhaps even less. There was even an undercurrent of anxiety. The Cajun suspected that if the man were to go on deck and be washed overboard, his metal-laced skeleton would drag him down to the bottom, with or with out a life jacket.

When the storm finally passed, Remy fell into his bunk exhausted, wanting nothing more than sleep. He was too tired from dry heaving and bracing himself against the next unexpected tilt or sway of the cabin to care about anything else. Not even Logan’s snarling demands that he clean up his own sickness were enough to move him. If the smell bothered him so much, he could clean it up himself. Merde. The man had no sympathy. Nothing made that one sick.

Sleep welled up to claim him and he tumbled into its depths gratefully. If he dreamed at all, his sleeping fancies were too misty to survive in the light of day.

“Wake up, Gumbo.” A sharp clap on his thigh sent him scrambling up from sleep, striking his head on the empty bunk above and knocking his pillow to the floor. Logan was grinning at him, clearly enjoying startling the hell out of him. “Clean yerself up. Cyke wants us up on deck. Hank thinks he’s found something.”

“De ship?” Remy crouched and swung his legs to the floor. The cabin smelled faintly of soap and water. The sour smell that stung his nose came from his own clothing. He stood with a grimace.

“Looks like it. But they ain’t responding to the radio. After a storm like that, if it ain’t them, we’re stoppin’ anyways.”

“Might be in need of help. Oui.” The floor moved gently under his feet and his stomach protested weakly, more in memory than in reaction. “If there any worse way to spend de night, Remy don’ want to know.”

“Humph. Ain’t no crime in not being a sailor. But next time ya want to paint the place with yer dinner, ya damn well better clean it up yerself.”

“Merci, Logan. You a true friend.” He gave the man a brief nod as he headed for the tiny bathroom. He hoped he had a clean shirt left. They hadn’t packed with such a long voyage in mind.

“And don’t forget it, kid. See ya on deck.”

~*~

The sun poured down on the shifting surfaces below, sending brilliant sparks of light heavenward. Warren circled lazily, enjoying the freedom to stretch his wings and the purely physical sensation of the sun on his back and the wind beneath his wings. He wore sunglasses against the glare and he searched the ocean’s expanse as he glided.

What was that? He circled again, drifting landward. Yes, it was a ship. His hopes rose slightly as he drew closer. He wasn’t yet close enough to make out any distinguishing marks. Was it the wayward an Angelica Azure?

“Jean?”

“I hear you, Warren.” Jean’s presence filled the sky.

“I think I’ve found her. Looks quiet. Can you see?”

“I have it, can you get closer?” The sense of her presence diminished a moment. “Scott says keep to a safe distance. They may have guns and you’re too far out for a rescue if you get hurt.”

“I know the drill.” Warren circled closer, staying high enough that any watchers below would find him a difficult target. He could see no movement at all on the ship below except for the random coming and going of sea birds.

“It all seems quiet.” He circled lower, catching sight of the ship’s call sign. “It’s her, Jean. I don’t see any sign of the crew. Should I land?”

“Are you getting tired?” A trace of concern leaked through her usual, businesslike demeanor.

“I’m fine. Plenty of air currents up here. I’m taking the lazy train.”

“Then stay airborne until we catch up, it shouldn’t take long. The Captain has you in sight.”

“Will do.” Warren smiled and flapped his wings, climbing higher into the sky. Whatever the reason for being here, the experience alone was worth it. Totally free, suspended between sky and water. Responsibility would bring him back to Earth all too soon.

~*~

It looked as if the ship had been drifting for days with no one but a few gulls to crew her. Remy had known the ship was empty the moment he’d set foot on the deck. Jean had confirmed it a moment later, but still they had to search every nook and cranny, looking for some hint of what had happened to the dozen men who had manned her. It was a large ship, its holds filled with cargo.

“Is anything missing? Aside from the crew, I mean.” He thought Scott looked uneasy, though maybe it was just a touch of seasickness. As long as the sea was calm, Remy’s stomach was equally calm, but their Fearless Leader looked ill at ease. Or it might have been his discomfort at having to bow to Captain Alexandros’s authority. And now Warren’s. The Angelica Azure was a Worthington Industries ship and the missing men were Warren’s employees, though it was doubtful that he’d ever met them.

“It’ll take a while to check the cargo against the ship’s manifest. I’ve got a skeleton crew flying in by chopper.”

“I’ve got Jean and Hank going through the logs and checking the ship’s instruments.” Scott replied. “Remy, Logan, I want you to search the crew quarters and common areas first.”

“What we lookin’ for?”

“Any sign of what happened here. Why did these men sail this boat thousands of miles away from their proper shipping lanes? And why did they leave a perfectly good ship adrift?”

“Life rafts still aboard, don’t look like anything’s missing.” Logan observed.

“Don’t think we gon’ find anything.” Remy added. “Dis a ghost ship.”

“Ghosts didn’t pilot this boat, Remy.” Cyclops adjusted his glasses as he stared across the waves at the ship that had carried them through the storm. Once the Captain and his first mate had made sure that the Azure was seaworthy, they had retreated quickly to their own vessel. “No more ghost talk around the crew. They are superstitious enough as it is. We may still need them.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” Remy shot him an approximation of a salute and headed for the nearest entrance. He wasn’t sure whether it was called a hatch or a door. He had to duck his head to avoid striking it on the lintel. “Wonder what he say if I tol’ him a ghost tell me we gon’ find not’ing here?”

“What’re ya mumbling about, Gumbo?” Logan was following close behind him.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I tol’ you, mon ami.”

“Humph.”

In the end, Faye’s predictions held true. They could find nothing to explain why twelve men had left a ship loaded with cargo. Left with no sign of how they had gotten off the ship. Every life raft was accounted for and there was no record of them docking anywhere. Their cabins looked as if they had simply walked out a moment before. Nothing was missing, their personal effects still in their footlockers. Once they arrived, Warren’s skeleton crew made quick work of checking the cargo and ship’s stores, finding nothing missing there, as well.

“I don’t understand it myself.” Warren was in full businessman mode. “All the cargo is here, Shaw. Not a box or crate missing. No sign of pirates, theft, or even a reason for the men to abandon ship.” There was a long pause.

“The new crew will head into dock and get the ship refueled and serviced. Then we’ll have your shipment in port as soon as possible.”

Remy leaned up against the helicopter from which Warren was using a high-powered cell phone to call the owners of the cargo. He’d already informed the main office. Captain Alexandros was in the process of checking with the appropriate authorities. Assuming there were any. Frankly, the charm of warmer climes had worn thin and he was eager to head home. Their team would be returning with the chopper and nothing short of pirates armed with machine guns would pry him away.

Ah. Warren was done and was giving Summers the OK. The day was beginning to look up.

~*~

“Come on, Roxxy.” Morgan leaned through the door to their shared room. “We’re going to be late.”

“I hardly think anyone at the mall will care if we’re a few minutes late.” Roxxy set aside her grade book with a sigh. Now that that was done, she could feel free to enjoy the outing. Despite her roommate’s militant attitude.

“I care.” Morgan crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently. “I’ve got two gift cards and a prepaid Visa to spend. And the stores are at opposite ends of the mall.”

“Far be it from me to interfere with your busy schedule.”

“That’s right.” Morgan smirked. “Besides, Haley sent me to drag you out by the tail if necessary.”

“I’d like to see that.” The shifter chuckled good-naturedly as she slung her purse over her shoulder. “After you.”

“No kidding.” With that, the younger girl was gone, having hopped her way to the garage, no doubt.

“Well, I guess I’m the rotten egg.”

~*~

Despite Morgan’s worries to the contrary, they arrived at the mall in good time. Once inside, they began a leisurely tour of the shops. Eventually they split up, Morgan dragging Dare after her in a quest for the perfect pair of ‘stripper heels.’ The pyrokinetic snorted derisively, but let her friend pull her away with only minimal protest.

“What are ‘stripper heels’?” Jehnna asked as the remaining trio stood in front of one of the higher end dress shops. Roxxy smiled and glanced at Haley. Haley shook her head, sending her titian ponytail swinging.

“Boy, you have led a sheltered life.” She draped an arm across the younger girl’s shoulders and propelled her across the threshold toward the rack of dresses the girl had been eyeing from afar. “Come on and I’ll see if I can’t enlighten you.”

“I don’t know, Haley. That might constitute contributing to the delinquency of a minor.”

“That bad?” Jehnna asked, bewildered.

“Oh, no.” Haley stopped in front of the rack of sequined and spangled frocks. Giving them a shrewd look, she pulled out a hanger from which hung a series of palms-width strips of cloth in a shimmering black. Jehnna’s eyes widened as she tried to picture how the dress would look draped on a real body. “No. Talking her into getting this and wearing it for her big date – that would be contributing to the delinquency of a minor.”

“I’m not a minor.” Jehnna muttered.

“And a bad case of pneumonia.” Roxxy chuckled and began browsing through the dresses herself. “Maybe this one?” She pulled out a strapless satin sheath in a deep plum color and held it out as if eyeing how it would fit the girl.

“I don’t know.” Jehnna hesitated to touch anything, horrified by the number of digits on the price tag dangling from the garment. “Maybe a different shop…”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Haley returned the black dress to the rack and began to flip through the garments rapidly. “You don’t want to show up to a swanky affair in something that looks cheap. I mean, isn’t there a rule about never letting your guy wear something more expensive than you do?”

“I’ve never heard that one.” Jehnna drifted closer, reaching tentatively for the rack. Maybe the blue one?

“It’s one of those unspoken rules.” Roxxy winked at Haley behind Jehnna’s back. “Besides, it’s Warren’s money you’re spending.”

“I know. That’s part of the problem.” Jehnna pulled the dress out, looked at it critically and put it back. Haley gave an exasperated groan and pulled it back out, adding it to the burgundy cocktail dress already in her hand. She held out her other hand to Roxxy, demanding the plum colored dress. “Come on, let’s go try these on.”

“But…”

“That’s an order.”

~*~

“So what do you think?” Morgan stopped and struck a pose, one foot in front of her, toes pointed up. She flexed her ankle a bit for good measure.

“I think that’s the sixth pair of red stilettos you’ve tried on.”

“Only five. The third pair was black.” Morgan sighed and resumed her pacing, wobbling slightly on the five inch heels. Or was it six inches? “Come on, Dare. What do you really think?”

“I think you’re going to break an ankle in those things. I couldn’t even walk in them.”

“They aren’t for walking, silly.” Morgan sat down on the nearby bench and slipped one heel off, holding it up to look at it carefully.

“Isn’t that what shoes are for?” Dare raised an eyebrow.

“Not these.” Morgan took off its mate and stowed them in their box. “Or at least only as many steps as it takes to get from the door to the bed.”

“Why spend that much money for something you’ll wear for two minutes, tops?”

“Who said I was going to take them off?”

“Sounds dangerous.”

“That’s half the fun, honey.” Morgan winked at her. “Why don’t you pick out something? Maybe some new boots.”

“Haven’t even worn the shiny off of these yet.” Dare snorted, shuffling her feet to make her point. “Besides, you’ll get more fun out of that money if you spend it on yourself.”

“Maybe Logan would like to see you dressed up once in a while…”

“He’s not complaining any. And there’s no way I’m getting that dressed up.” She gestured at the shoebox on Morgan’s lap and shook her head.

“Well, I wasn’t saying to put you in a miniskirt and stilettos. Maybe something with just a little heel…”

“Uh huh. How about some training wheels while you’re at it.”

“You know, maybe I’d like to see you like that. Just once.” There was something wistful in her tone that kept the snarky retort on the tip of Dare’s tongue from escaping. They had remained friends, really close friends. But the physical part of their relationship – it was the first time that Morgan had hinted that she was missing it. Dare had always assumed Morgan’s acceptance of her overtures was out of love and affection, but never had any illusions that Morgan would have ever gone there on her own. Maybe she was wrong about that.

That thought was so novel and so full of conflicting emotions – the guys had so far given their silent assent, or at least Logan had. Still, she wasn’t sure. Morgan had seemed so wrapped up Remy. And Logan was so very, ah…interested. Dare cleared her throat and looked around nervously. She licked her lips and thought a moment. Would it really hurt to try it just once?

“All right. Pick something out for me and I’ll put in on as long as it’s not too crazy.”

“Just shoes?” Morgan looked startled and eager.

“Whatever you want. You know, since it’s your money and you’ll probably be borrowing it anyway.”

“Your shoes wouldn’t fit me.” Morgan stood up, putting the box on the bench next to the small pile already there. “Where do you want to start?”

“Oh no. I said I’d put it on. I didn’t say I’d let you drag me around and try stuff on.”

“But…”

“Just surprise me. Pick something you’d like to see me in.” Dare turned to leave. “I’m gonna go hit the snack bar or something. I’ll catch up later.”

“OK. I guess.”

Dare walked away, trying not to hurry. She was already worrying about what Morgan would come up with. If it was all red and green, she damn well wouldn’t wear it. Even if it hurt her feelings. OK. She wouldn’t wear it where anyone else would see it. Yeah. That would work, right?

Her steps slowed as she passed out of sight of her friend. She found herself pausing here and there to look through a shop window, sometimes to admire, sometimes just to laugh at some overpriced piece of crap she wouldn’t be caught dead in.

The familiar beat of a favorite song drew her inside a music shop. Her footsteps thumped softly in time with the drums and she muttered the lyrics under her breath as she began to browse, all thoughts of grabbing a Coke and a corn dog forgotten. She fingered the small bit of plastic in her pocket, still uncertain how she felt about Logan giving her a credit card. A real one, not one of those prepaid ones. Even Remy hadn’t trusted Morgan with a real one.

Which meant he was learning fast. She snorted, then paused, surprised to find that it didn’t bother her half as much as she thought it should to think of them as a couple. She resumed flipping through the rack of CD’s, wondering if she dared buy something for Logan.

“So, have you heard that one yet? I’ve heard it’s good.” The CD she’d been looking at dropped back into the bin with a clatter. She turned wide eyes to the blonde at her elbow, too close for a stranger. But she wasn’t a stranger.

“Misty?” She could feel the blood draining from her cheeks.

“What’s the matter, Dare? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I thought you were dead.” I thought I’d killed you…

“It was a close thing.” The taller woman slipped an arm around her shoulder and led her further into the store, finding an unoccupied section.

“How?”

“Part luck. Part planning.” They stopped and Dare eased away, unable to shake her unease. “I never told you, but I’d taken to stashing fire extinguishers and those flame proof blankets everywhere we stayed. Saved my life, but I’m afraid I didn’t reach Dog in time.” Her expression darkened. “I know he was a sleaze, but he was a good man to have at your back in a fight.”

“Did… Did anyone else make it out?”

“You.”

“Shit.” Dare leaned heavily on a nearby rack. She fought back tears and the lump that was threatening to block her throat. “Where… Where have you been all this time? It’s been years.” Her voice dropped to a shaky whisper.

“Keeping a low profile. Staying on the move.” She gave Dare a smile. “Damn, but it’s good to see you, kid. I thought I was seeing shit when I first saw you.”

“No shit.” Dare looked the woman up and down, still struggling to believe that she was really there, in the flesh. A woman she’d loved. A woman she’d mourned. Still thin and wiry beneath her leather jacket and blue jeans. She’d added another piercing to her eyebrow. Her hair was a little longer, but dyed in her favorite two-tone style, sandy blonde with dark brown beneath. There might be a few more creases at the corners of her eyes. Dare had never been quite sure how old Misty was. Only that she was older.

“So what the hell are you doing here? Kind of uptown for you, isn’t it? Or did your folks finally come looking?”

“No. Haven’t heard from them. But a friend got me into this special school for, um…people like me.”

“I’d heard there was one around here, but I never pegged you for the prep school type.” The blond looked slightly disgusted. Then her expression changed, her eyes roving up and down Dare’s frame before returning to her face. “You look good, guess the preppy life agrees with you. Damn, but I’ve missed you, baby.”

Dare ducked her head, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. How many times had she fantasized about a moment like this? How many times in that first year or so had she wished it were Misty in her arms instead of Morgan? She had to have known, but she’d been sweet enough not to say anything.

“I missed you, too.” The words slipped out before she had a chance to stop them. A rush of new guilt flooded her and she began to babble. “I’m seeing someone now. Really two someones, I guess. Got a guy that treats me really well. He even, um…he even lets me keep a girl on the side. Of course I was with her first, so maybe it’s the other way around…”

“Hey, relax. You thought I was dead, right?” Misty raised her hands to halt the flood of explanations. Dare cringed inwardly as she spotted the patch of paler, waxy looking skin on the inside of one wrist. A burn scar… “I’m seeing a guy myself. Would you believe that? Me, driving a stick?”

“Seriously?” Dare grasped at the change in subject like a drowning man reaching for a life preserver.

“Abso-fucking-lutely.” Misty gave her the old go-to-hell grin she remembered so well. She flipped open the jacket to show the silk lining and designer label. “Got me a sugar daddy. No more ducking the cops for a stupid TV set or a couple of stereos. He’s got real money but he’s no stiff. Wish you could meet him.”

“Where is he?”

“Some business meeting. Suits and shit like that. Gives me a handful of bills and tells me to go have fun for a few hours.” Her grin got wider and she cocked her head. “So where’s your man?”

“Working out of town.”

Misty raised an eyebrow at that. “So where’s your girl?”

“Probably still in the shoe store making some pimply faced clerk’s day.”

“So she’s here.”

“Yeah. She’s here.”

“Gotcha. I gotta scram, honey. But now that I know you’re here, I’ll be in touch.”

“Misty…” The blonde was already sliding between the racks back toward the main floor of the store. She turned and winked at Dare.

“Let’s keep this between you and me, all right?”

“Yeah, sure.” Who was she going to tell? Morgan? They never really talked much about Dare’s time with the gang. Logan maybe? Shit, he’d probably start worrying about her getting into trouble. And it was no one else’s business, anyway. “See you around.”

“Count on it!” She watched the woman stride out the door, vanishing into the crowd without a backward glance.

“Shit.” Dare rubbed her arms, suddenly struck by a skin-crawling feeling. “If Dog shows up next, I swear I’ll burn the fucking place down,” she muttered without conviction.

The sight of a familiar figure passing by loaded down with two huge shopping bags made her grin. Then she winced, wondering what the girl would think about her keeping Misty a secret if she knew. Somehow it felt disloyal.

“Oh, Hell.” Dare shook her head and set off after Morgan, resigned to make it up to her by rejoining the shopping spree. “Can’t be that bad, can it?”

~Stripper Shoes~

Comments

[sessys-fangirl.livejournal.com]

Oh! Got mystery all around!

A missing crew and a "ghost" from the past comes back and wants things hush-hush.

Things are really interesting around here.

And yes, contribute to Jehnna's delinquency! I heartily approve of using the Warrens cards as much as possible. * evil grin * :D

Great chapter Gin. ^_^

[ginevrasm.livejournal.com]

Yup. Lots of mysterious goings on. :)

I'd almost forgotten how much I enjoyed watching the girls interact with each other, so I had fun with them in the mall. I also thought I'd mix it up a little, put the girls in different groupings and see what happened.

I'm sure Jehnna could buy a complete new wardrobe and it wouldn't make a dimple in Warren's credit limit. LOL

I'm really glad you enjoyed it and I'll be biting my nails until the other girls chime in. Lots of plot and no smut in sight, anywhere...

[dazzledfirestar.livejournal.com]

Hmm... interesting... where oh where are you going with this? *evil grin*

Lovely work hun. Love seeing the girls with some time off and interacting... honestly, that's the best part of these fics in my mind. It might even outrank the smut... but just barely. LOL

Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve here! Great work!

(PS... I love the striper shoes, though when Morgan said that all that popped to mind were those clear plastic ones? Know what I'm talking about? And I couldn't stop laughing! LOL *hides*)

[ginevrasm.livejournal.com]

Where am I going? I'll let you know when I get there, right? I have the big picture more or less in mind, but the details...Totally making it up as I go along.

I'm glad the girls are coming through. This has taken so long and I've slowed down so much, I sometimes worry that I'll loose the feel of them.

I haven't really begun to plot my next chapter yet, so it'll be a surprise to me, too. ;)

And the stripper shoes...I know exactly the ones you mean. But for Morgan, they'd have to be red. I don't think they come in green...

[nanaeanaven]

Ooooh, lots of intriguing things going on in this chapter. Great job, Gin. I approve of this plot break. After all, we can't live on smut alone, can we? Well, all right, maybe we can - but still.... LOL!

Girl time is always fun. Maybe that's why I hate shopping so much now - no girlfriends to share it with. *sigh* Oh, and we used to call 'em 'Fuck Me' shoes. ;D

[ginevrasm.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you approve, LOL. I'm not guaranteeing more smut, but I think you know me by now, it'll probably happen.

I can't remember when I last had that kind of girl time. I never had much of it. And since I've been heavy since puberty, shopping for clothes has usually been depressing rather than fun. If I had Morgan's figure, I'd be there with heels on. ;)

I'm glad you finally found the time to check in on our Sues. You've been missed.