"Would You Like To See The World Through My Eyes?"
Welcome back guys. As promised I am back to finish up the analysis of Uncanny X-Men #185. No need to delay any longer, let's jump back into it shall we.
The first time we actually see Rogue in the issue itself, not mentioning her but actual appearance, is her swinging into a lake in Mississippi. In a light that we rarely ever see her, relaxed. Not mulling over her problems(which most people know only makes you more stressed if you think about it too much), just complete and utter peace. Unfortunately, it does not last long as Ororo comes to ask if she could join her?
Rogue says that it's fine, but still seems a little stand-offish(understandably) because she tells Ororo to keep her distance. Though she says it's because she's barely wearing anything(which is true), but I think it's more due to the fact that she still doesn't want to be close to anyone; especially after the events with Michael. Even if that didn't happen, she still hasn't made much effort to connect to any X-Men in particular(with the exception of maybe Logan).
Ororo comments that it's a nice spot and Rogue says that this has been her childhood getaway. This was, however, the same place of her first trauma where she first learned of her power. So, debatable as to why she considers this place a safe haven; maybe there's just more good memories here than bad. She mentions that ever since that first trauma she has never felt safe or at home anywhere; even with Xavier and the X-Men. Even states that she is still split on where her true loyalties lie, with the group or Mystique. Considering both have had the same amount of success with her power and control just at different times.
Ororo does ask if there is anything that they can do to prove themselves to her, which Rogue finds hilarious considering she was the hardest person to win over when she joined. Ororo does acknowledge that it was so, but knows that Rogue has changed; and clearly she has changed herself. Though Rogue cannot believe it and says that she's only okay with her now because they are both aware that she is in constant pain and torn between two personalities, which she believes fits her crime. Ororo goes on to ask if she is lashing out because she really doesn't trust anyone, to which Rogue agrees and states that she doesn't even trust herself and doesn't blame anyone for not trusting her. Outside of maybe Logan because he gave his powers willingly to save her in Japan. For her final attempt, Ororo asks if she wanted to get a chance to feel the control she has? Even for just a little bit.
Rogue outright refuses remembering how poorly it went the last time she took her powers. Ororo says the reason why she had no control is because it was not given willing then, but it will be this time. Even when Rogue still states that it's possible the same thing that happened to Carol Danvers happens to her, Ororo still is willing to take the risk in order to give her a reason to stay with this family and give her a reason to trust someone.
Once both relent, Rogue gets a moment of control, creating: Small rain showers, small tornados, and calming a tsunami. This gets her a moment of temptation to suck off more of her abilities, but is quickly horrified that she even thought to do it as Ororo truly is the first person to trust her completely. As she decides not to, the federal agents begin their attack with a mild shot. The chase ensues and after crashing into some trees and notices that her vulnerability is gone at the moment. Even losing her flight ability to a degree. The only reason that she is in the flight and not fight mode is because she doesn't want Ororo to be hurt; showing that she has chosen her loyalties because of that act of trust.
She tries to give herself and Storm cover but lashes out more than she intends and begins to crash the federal agents' boats; making a miniature hurricane. She wonders if all this is because of her rage at the agents and is awed by the fact that Ororo is as calm as is at times because if she loses control for a minute, many natural disasters can occur. The fact that she goes to rescue the agents shows that she has changed from only thinking of herself and toward people intending harm; though she believes it is mostly because of Ororo's personality and leadership skills. Though once Ororo arrives and says that her consciousness were recovered before as the attack began, Rogue begins to believe that she does have a small amount of control and change in personality now.
As always for her though, once she gains a little bit of hope for her growth, tragedy soon follows as they start to pull the boat ashore, Gyrich attempts to shoot Rogue with a fatal shot. Were it not for Forge tackling him, he may have made the shot correctly, though who knows as Ororo pushes Rogue out of the way, taking the shot. With the force of the explosion knocking both into the water.
The final act of anyone of consequence is that Forge does end up dragging Ororo out of the water(with Rogue nowhere in sight) and resigns. More due to the moral reasons and the consequences of technology he creates and goes into the wrong hands.
That's all for this one guys. Thanks for reading this storyline, and I will be back next time when I finally get back to Diana's journey in 'Wonder Woman'.
