How to Slay a Dragon

Redemption or Damnation?


The first thing Remy's mind was conscious of when he came to was the sound of gentle rain in the distance. Next came the pain. It burned through him like a red hot poker, clamping his throat shut so the anguished cries could not escape. Then, there was a comforting cool pressed against his seared flesh. He opened his eyes to look upon the face of his beautiful Goddess, Ororo. A soft hiss of air past through her slightly pursed lips.

"Shhh, brother. You are safe."

Remy mustered up enough energy to give her a grateful smile as she gently patted a cool cloth on his face. Another quick glance told Remy that he was in her loft, resting on her bed. He suddenly remembered the most likely reason for him being there. It all felt so much like a horrible dream but the aches his body suffered told him that it was just too real. Remy couldn't help but shudder as the memory of Jean's venomous words attacked his mind. Her shameless actions and the foul taste of her in his mouth made his stomach clench.
Ororo noticed the strained look on the thief's face and a darkness suddenly swept into her eyes. Energy filled the room and the skies crackled upon feeling their mistress's fury. Remy picked it up instantaneously and with swift effort, placed a calming hand on her left forearm. The outside world slowly faded back to the soft rhythms of life as Ororo's eyes were returned to their serene state. She gave Remy a loving, apologetic smile, which he returned with a lopsided grin of his own. Ororo shook her head sadly.

"How can you smile after what has happened to you? After what she-"

"Non," Remy shut his eyes. "Remy don' wanna t'ink 'bout dat right now." When his lids opened again, the veil of hurt Ororo saw laid over his eyes made her heart ache.

"Please.." It was all the thief could whisper, and the Goddess knew a denial was unacceptable. When Ororo gave no further arguement Remy let go a relaxed sigh and sank back into the bed.

A thought came to him a few seconds later and he turned his head toward his sister. "You know where Logan is?"

Ororo furrowed her frosty arched brows together at the question. "I believe he left the mansion a not too long before the explosion. Scott was able to contact him an hour ago, he's on his way back. We're not sure where he was. Why do you ask?"

Remy exhaled softly and shook his head. "No reason." He knew Ororo wouldn't believe the answer but she never pressed. Remy felt his eyelids growing heavy and he graciously let them slip closed.
=============================================================================================================
"All around the water tank
waitin' for a train
i'm a thousand miles away from home
just a'standin' in the rain."


The shrill beeping of the communicator inside his jacket caused Logan to give an irritated growl. He jerked the device out of an inside pocket and pushed the call back button.

"What?!" There was a brief silence on the other end before a firm voice came through.

"Logan, this is Scott. There's been a situation at the mansion, we need you back here right away."

A swell of anger and hurt wadded itself inside Logan's throat like a crumpled up paper bag. A tremor took hold of his hand and the com device shook wildly. It took everything Logan ever had to push the button and choke out his reply.

"I'll be right there."

He turned off the device before Scott could say anything more. The cold sting of the falling rain never registered in Logan's mind as he climbed onto his bike. He wasn't sure but he had an idea of the "situation" back at the mansion, and whom it might involve. The memory popped up again into Logan's mind and he was hit with a fresh tide of pain. Frustration boiled in his blood and he leapt from the seat of his bike, nearly knocking the Harley on it's side. He gritted his teeth as a tight howl pushed up from his chest and he reached up to dig his fingers into his skull. He hated feeling this helpless.
The animal inside of Logan screamed before the man drove his fist into the concrete wall that made up the side of the bar. The physical pain shot through his body but quickly faded, thanks to his healing factor. He cursed his mutation, wanting desperately for the physical hurt to push away the mental anguish. Of course, there was only one thing that could do that. Logan slipped a hand into his jacket and fingered the smooth paper sack. The powder inside rolled back and forth between his digits. The man became lost in the curious sensation and was only brought back after a wondering touch drove the point of the needle into his pinky. Logan pulled his hand back out to get a look at the pin prick of blood that had escaped before his body mended the wound. He knew what he needed.

Hey I'm your life
I'm the one who takes you there
hey I'm your life I'm the one who cares
they, they betray I'm your only true friend now
they, they'll betray I'm forever there

He left his bike and hurried down a darkened alley just behind the bar. There was sufficent coverage from a dumpster and an odd pile of cardboard boxes, no one around to bother him. Logan quickly rid himself of his jacket after taking out his neccessities. The batch he cooked this time was by far the largest he had ever attempted. He was hoping to overload his healing factor just enough to get a longer high out of the hit. When the needle had been inserted into the vein and the liquid pushed through, Logan knew he had found success. His world slowed to an almost dead stop. He watched as individual droplets of rain past by his line of vision, his reflection dancing across their tiny mirror-like surfaces. When they hit the ground it sounded like small hand made drums pounding out a familiar rythmn which he had no memory of. The street lights danced across the dark stone wall in front of him, swirled together in an orgy of spastic shapes and scribbled images like wall paintings from the pointed end of a two year olds crayon. The lights danced, the rain drummed, the world sang along and Logan stayed angry.
It bubbled out of him like the foam from a tap. That little bitch had done just what Logan knew he was going to do. It was common knowledge that Remy was a whore, hell the bastard hadn't even denied it. Seemed almost outright proud. Logan had let himself be fooled by all the pretty words dripping with sickening sweeteness. Let his mind be clouded by sex and lies while the two timing prick probably laughed behind his back. Well, he was gonna go back and remind Mr. Lebeau just why no one ever fucked with the Wolverine.
With his mind still thick from the drug, Logan made his way back to his bike. He climbed on and kick started it up, a little rougher than was neccessary but he didn't find time to care. He revved the engine and felt the vibrations shake his whole body. Then, he lifted up his foot and tore his way into traffic headed straight for the mansion.

I'm your dream, make you real
I'm your eyes when you must steal
I'm your pain when you can't feel
sad but true

I'm your dream, mind astray
I'm your eyes while you're away
I'm your pain while you repay
you know it's sad but true
=============================================================================================================

Remy shifted uncomfortably as Hank examined his wounds. Ororo stood by with a placid expression on her face. After a few minutes Hank leaned backwards into his chair and replaced the stethescope around his neck.

"Well, you are one lucky rogue. Your injuries were not extreme, it would seem your body was able to absorb the shock of impact. I believe it was due to the fact that you were unconscious."

"So, dis mean Remy good t' go?"

The furry doctor smiled as he gathered up his belongings. "Of course. I will advise you to take it easy for a while. Get some rest, you'll be more than new in no time." Storm walked over and put a gentle hand on Hank's shoulder.

"Thank you Hank." The good doctor grinned, showing fang and slowly stood up from the chair.

"Hank, wait." Remy stood up on slightly shaking legs. "How's Jean?"

The question caused a look of discomfort for the blue furry mutant. He shifted his glance about the room and fiddled with the edge of his lab coat.

"She is doing well Remy. She will of course remain isolated in the med lab until we can figure out what exactly is going on."

Remy folded his arms in front of himself and gave a solemn nod. Hank took the opportunity to excuse himself and quickly fled the room. Ororo glided over to the bed and placed a steadying hand on Remy's back. The thief looked up and shot her a trademark smile, the one he knew would have her smiling right back. He took the hand not resting on his back and brought it to his lips for a light kiss. Ororo sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist. Remy welcomed the embrace, running his fingers through her smooth as silk hair. After a few moments, he pulled back and held her away at arms length.

"How s'it you always know how to make ol' Remy feel better, uh?" Ororo closed her eyes and shook her head. Remy pulled her in for a quick peck on the top of the head. Then he brushed past her towards the door.

"Remy," He stopped short. "Where are you going?"

"No worries. Jus' need to grab some stuff. I'll be okay." He gave a quick wink before he disappeared out the door.
=============================================================================================================

Logan locked an unfocused gaze on the spot he knew to be Remy's window. In it's place there was a large gaping hole in the bricks where the balcony used to sit. A cruel chuckle rumbled from his chest.

"One Eye wasn't kiddin'. Wonder what happened here?" Well, he was about to find out.

you, you're my mask
you're my cover, my shelter
you, you're my mask
you're the one who's blamed
do, do my work
do my dirty work, scapegoat
do, do my deeds
for you're the one who's shamed

Remy shivered in the thin pajamas he was wearing as he surveyed the destruction that had once been his room. Debris was scattered everywhere, bits of stone and plaster strewn about the hardwood floor. A large veil of plastic covered the hole made in the wall where he had blown the balcony. Glass from the window and french doors were embedded in the walls. He flinched and quickly strode over to the closet to get what he needed so he could go back to Ororo's room. He rummaged through and grabbed a few shirts off hangers. He was crouched down to get some pants from the drawers when he felt a hand clamp over his mouth. Another arm snaked around his waist and jerked him up and back. Remy stumbled as he was dragged backwards away from the closet. Hot breath flowed over the skin of his neck and a deep familiar voice rumbled into his ear.

"Miss me?" Remy felt a flood of relief.

"Merde! Logan, you scare Remy. Where y' been?"

He wriggled in Logan's embrace, trying to turn and face him but the grip was too tight. Logan growled and inhaled deeply, smelling what he knew to be Ororo still warm on Remy's skin. He couldn't detect any traces of Jean but then again, that could have been washed away with a good shower. Remy was a whore but he wasn't an idiot.
Remy was beginning to feel uneasy when Logan didn't respond. He reached up and brushed his fingers through the other man's wiry sideburns.

"Logan? Chere..." The feral man's eyes closed and he leaned into the tender touch. It felt so good to have his boy touch him again.

(NO! This little slut is the reason for your pain! He needs to be taught a lesson.)

Logan let out a menacing snarl and threw Remy up against the nearest wall. The thief let out a surprised yelp and flattened his palms against the wall, glass shards piercing the skin on his hands. Logan grabbed both his wirsts in a tight hold and yanked them above his head. Then he kicked the man's legs apart and pulled his hips roughly back, causing Remy to arch his back painfully. Logan heard Remy draw in a pained breath and quickly sunk his teeth into the pale skin of his neck. He easily broke the skin and Remy cried out in shock and agony. The smell and taste of blood sent Logan's primal senses into a frenzy. He wanted more.
What was happening? Why was Logan doing this? Remy was beginning to panic, what had he done to make Logan so angry? There was absolutely no love or concern in the other man's actions. He meant to cause Remy harm. He felt Logan jerk his sweatpants down, the weak fabric ripped like tissue paper. Remy gasped when he felt the hard flesh of Logan's erection grinding against his bottom. Next thing he knew, Logan was tossing him to the floor like a rag doll. He reached out his hands instinctively and felt pain shoot up his arms when the fresh wounds made contact with the gritty floor. A large hand wound itself in his hair and snapped his head back so suddenly it gave him whiplash. Another grabbed his upper arm and dragged his torso up until he felt the solid wall of Logan's chest on his back.

"Sorry, that hurt?"

The voice speaking those words was so thick with anger and disgust that Remy found he could formulate no reply. Logan moved his hand from Remy's arm to his throat, applying enough pressure to make breathing difficult. A strangled noise escaped the young man's throat which only made Logan press down harder.

"I guess it didn't hurt enough. Don't worry, when I'm done you'll know pain, sure enough."

Dread flooded Remy's mind as he tried to grasp Logan's meaning. He didn't have to wait long. The other man pushed him back onto his hands, keeping a grip on the back of his neck. Remy was still trying to catch his breath when he felt Logan shove his cock into his ass. It was too much, Remy screamed as Logan fucked him mercilessly. He dragged his fingernails on the floor and tried deperately to block out the immense pain. But everytime he tried Logan would shake him back to reality. His muscles began to feel the strain as Logan slammed into him relentlessly. His body was rocked back and forth and his arms and legs quivered with the effort of keeping him propped up.

Logan looked down at his erection sliding in and out of Remy's tight entrance. A sickly sneer crossed his lips when he noticed the thick dark liquid coating his member and dripping down between Remy's legs. The tramp deserved what he was being given. He listened to the pleading cries coming from the boy beneath him and felt compelled to ask.

"How's it feel Remy? Havin' someone do ya wrong, knowin' ya can't escape?"

Remy had begun to cry from the combination of pain and anguish. "Please..." He choked out. Logan suddenly stopped thrusting. Remy let out a shuddered sigh of relief as the burn eased.

"Please? Did you just fuckin' say 'please'?! What the fuck makes ya more deservin' of mercy than me? Why should I give ya what ya never even gave me?"

Remy squeezed his eyes shut as the tears flowed relentlessly. "Love you..." He was begging now.

"Don't...lie...to me...Remy." Logan's voice cracked and tears filled his eyes. "You..."

Remy felt himself being shoved forward and with a tight yelp, crashed to the floor in an exhausted heap. Logan covered his face with his hands and began to sob helplessly.

hate
I'm your hate
I'm your hate when you want love
pay, pay the price
pay, for nothing's fair

hey
I'm your life
I'm the one who took you here
hey
I'm your life
and I no longer care



For a long moment only the sound of the flapping plastic sheet and united sobbing filled the room. Finally, as the pain eased Remy gingerly un-rolled himself from were he lay on the floor, wincing at both his aching body and the sharpness of glass and plaster which chafed his knees and hands. Turning carefully he followed the sound of deep sobs behind him, unable to see through his own vale of tears.

“Lo…gan,” he stammered, sucking back hicupped sobs. “Lo..”

“Get the fuck away from me!” came the venomous retort.

“Why Logan,” Remy continued, “why?”

“I said…” Logan drew away like a scalded cat, dragging himself through the detritus, away from the approaching Cajun.

But Logan’s angry pleas did not stop the tearful Lebeau, on his hands and knees he crawled, twitching at every spasm his body made. “Why you do dis Logan? What I do dat deserve this?”

“You know what ya did Bitch.” Logan hissed trying to rub the burning saline from his eyes. “with her?”

Remy stopped in his tracks, confusion furrowing his brow.

"What 'her'?"

There was a loud snort from Logan. "Fuck, don't even try playin' the innocent card."

"Remy not playin' any card." The thief's voice was ragged from his crying jag. He wiped impatiently at his eyes so he could get a better look at Logan. "What femme you talkin' 'bout?"

Logan let go a thunderous growl. In almost an instant he was directly in front of Remy, grabbing a hold of his arms and bringing them nose to nose. It was now that the other man finally got a good look at his lover's haggard face, too pale and too rough. His blood shot eyes were wild and seemed unfocused. The skin beneath Remy's hands felt like it was on fire, yet the beads of sweat were cold to the touch. Logan tightened his fingers on Remy's arm and the Cajun let out a shakey breath.

"JEAN, you lil' whore! I wasn't gone from yer bed more'n two minutes before ya snatched yerself a replacement!"

A mixture of relief and sadness took hold of Remy and he shook his head. A deep ache settled in his stomach as realization became present.

"So dat's why you left." It was a quiet statement.

Logan knew from his tone that Remy had filled in the blanks. Like he said, Remy was a whore not an idiot. He couldn't keep the pain out of his voice as he addressed Remy's unspoken suspiscions.

"Ya forced my hand Cajun. I know I should'a seen it comin', but I guess I was just hopin'. Should'a known it wasn't my luck."

Remy's eyes had been closed during this time and now began to slowly open.

"So, y' assume de worst and walk out? Wit'out at least speakin' to me?" Remy's voice was trembling, with anger and grief. "Instead 'o confrontin' me, y' decide to take off and get high?"

"What the hell was I supposed to do Remy? I saw you kissing Jeannie!"

"IT WASN'T LIKE DAT! She came on to me! She hate Remy because he wit 'chu. She say just what you did, Remy not'in' but a whore. He don't deserve no one. She speak her truth and now, so do you."

Logan stood back from Remy, a stricken look on his face. Remy was right. Instead of doing what he should have Logan had simply defaulted and run away again. He had made assumptions and now, the unnecessary damage was done.

"Oh God, Remy..."

"Now y' show Remy who y' really are. What 'chu t'ink. Remy was a fool tryin' to change somet'in' dat don't need it." There was so much sorrow in Remy's words that Logan could feel it in the air. A desperate chill sunk into his bones.

"No, please...yer wrong. I-"

A sudden torrent of wind engulfed the room. The door blew open from the force and revealed Ororo standing on the other side. Lightning scorched the air around her as she surveyed the scene. Her eyes landed directly on Logan and took in his naked form, his crotch area and thighs covered in blood. Remy subconsciously attempted to cover his shame and Logan backed up into the shadows. Ororo glided over and placed her robe around Remy's shoulders before she began slowly guiding him towards the door.

"Come brother. We should leave."

Her voice sounded as calm as ever but both men knew her too long to miss the anger that lay just beneath. Remy breathed a tired, defeated sigh and let himself be lead out.

"Wait-"

Logan started to step forward but was harshly tossed backwards by a violent gust of wind. It slammed him into the wall and he landed with a thud onto a small mound of debris. Remy squeezed his eyes shut and hurried to leave the room with Ororo immediately behind. Which left Logan alone, naked and broken, with an aching he had no name for. From the farthest reaches of his mind, the part not still affected by the drugs in his system, he swore he could hear laughing.

I'm your truth, telling lies
I'm your reasoned alibis
I'm inside open your eyes
I'm you

sad but true