The Tug of War

Jade eyes followed the almost iridescent-winged dragonflies skim over the surface of the lake, sweeping low to dip into the water and yet gracefully elude the fish that would have them for a light snack. The scorching sun dropped off the horizon appearing to sizzle into the lake, while painting the southern sky in hues of crimson, violet, and indigo. Closing her heavily lined eyes, she inhaled thoroughly the sweet smells of damp dirt and lumber, and immersed herself in the music of frogs, crickets, katydids, and the faint murmur of owls. Nowhere else had the same fragrance, the delicious melodies-at least not anywhere that she had been. Somehow the scent reminded her of home, at least the idea of home – where you could sit on the porch, soak up the songs of the night while curling your toes in the dew kissed grass – without restrictions, unencumbered, and daringly stripped. Perhaps it was the actual feel of the wet soil on her fingers, under her nails…the feeling that you could put down roots, dig into the earth, and produce something from a tiny seed…that's what she enjoyed. She sighed deeply, a slight frown marring her lovely features. The peace, the stillness would not last. Slowly tucking a stray wisp of red hair behind her ear, stilling her hand for a moment savoring everything that she appreciated about this place and this time and the quiet that the lake afforded her even though the heavy beats from inside wafted out on the soft breeze.

She turned propping herself against the railing of the large deck, she peered into the building at the teens dancing to the thumping sounds. Disinterested, she turned back to the water symphony that she found so calming. The rainbow of Chinese lanterns created glimmering echoes upon the smooth face of the water as the sun slipped further. Soon it would be time to return to the house - to restrictions, but for now she felt almost ordinary. Most would probably assume that her life was carefree and untroubled. But worries kept her awake when normal teens would dream. Most suspected her style along with her streaked hair was to intimidate or a clique choice. This was not the case. Sighing again, she attempted to quiet the troubled thoughts and ran her hand along the graying wood rail. The night itself seemed to breathe tenderly to her as russet waves lifted from her shoulders dancing in the wind. She smiled.

The tanned, blonde athlete studied the beauty hidden in the shadow safely from the doorway to the boat dock. Shifting from right to left foot, he attempted to work up the courage to ask her to dance. He noticed her weeks ago at school. She was not hard to notice - not only was she beautiful, she was mesmerizing. From her emerald eyes to the array of colors she encased her milky white digits within, she intrigued him. There were others in school with her fashion sense, but she was beyond the crowd. She was also, by all appearances, an enigma. He had questioned others concerning her, but no one seemed to know much about her. This made her even more intriguing, if possible. He was desperate to know her, to see her smile at him, hear her say his name, and to see...and to touch those delicate fingers under all those colorful gloves, to have those hands touching his face...his lips...to kiss...

An elbow to the ribs brought him back to reality. Turning, he found the team's tight end and his best friend cracking wise about object of his desire. "You plan on stalking her or asking her to dance sometime this century?" Cody turned his stare back at the captivating creature. "You've been trying to work up the nerve all week!" Dragging his friend from the building, "Body snatchers, that's the only explanation, man."

Whispers behind her interrupted her musings. From the corner of her eye she could see the two boys poking and prodding one another; she recognized both from school - football players. One had been staring for quite a while, unaware that she had felt his eyes on her - not only here at the club, but also at school. Unknowingly she stiffened and turned to face her fellow students.

A dance. He wanted a dance. Inwardly she smiled while attempting an air of nonchalance, but her soft verdigris eyes exposed her. He sounded so sweet and unsure…He sounded almost flustered to ask her for a dance; he even stuttered a bit. She thought that Cody would never have been shy or even hesitant to approach a girl. Girls lined up for him. What would Irene say? Mischievously, she thought that perhaps what Irene did not know...would not hurt me. Although, she would normally immediately turn such an offer down, his sorrowful hazelnut eyes touched her. He looks like he expects me to reject him – like my opinion of him...matters! He hung his head staring at his feet, shuffling them, and nudging something on the dock as if he expected to be rejected. She just did not have the heart…

A slight smile touched her lips, "Aah heck, why not? After all, where's the harm in one dance?"

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Inside they took places on the dance floor as the upbeat music allowed enough space to prevent unnecessary contact; she allowed herself a brief respite, letting her guard down, smiling, and dancing freely. It felt wonderful. She did not have to focus on anything, but the dance. In spite of herself, she was having fun. This was not something she had planned, but maybe I shouldn't plan so much. Maybe I can have some fun once in a while...Without warning, Cody crashed into her and both landed in a jumble on the wooden floor. Instantly, Cody scrambled up, shooting his interfering pal a look, he reached down to help his partner up, "Hey, I'm sorr…" the apology would go unfinished as he captured her bare wrist and his world went dark.

The touch was electric and caused both to cry out – he in shock, she in pain.

Suddenly his life flashed before him, from a young boy playing to last night's victory game. All slammed together as if it were a movie reel of the highlights of his life. Am I dying? "My head…uh, these images…" my voice...He stood up and found his own body lying on the floor. What the? Am I dead? He gaped as his friends who stared back bizarrely. "What's happening to me?" His voice sounded foreign to his own ears. He looked down to his hands, gloved in black…these aren't mine. "What am I?" Looking to his best friend, "Wh..Who am I?"

Astounded, Cody watched as his best friend leaned over his supine body and shook it. Am I dead?! He wanted to scream out, but words would not come. "Cody, Cody, what's wrong?!" The tight end turned glaring up at Cody, "What did you do to him?!" I'm Cody! I AM HIM! Cody stared at his best friend-friends since fourth grade, lemonade stand entrepreneurs, one another's wingman, players on the same team. They knew each other like the back of his own hand. He looked hard at his hand, gloved in black. Well, maybe not this hand... Man, I'm right here! And there! Oh man…What is happening to me? Was Cody being accused of hurting himself?! I didn't hurt myself! Did I? Did I do this to myself? As he felt his stomach turn, Cody screamed inside his head RUN! He took a step back, turned, and ran as if his life depended on it-because it may. Even though his fellow player blocked the door, Cody tossed him aside, leaving his best friend bewildered.

As for Cody, one thought reverberated, home.

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"My mental impressions from the scene indicate a highly disturbed individual. Our mutant is a danger to herself and possibly others as well." Professor Xavier concluded, sending the team from the room to prepare themselves and the x-jet for the trip south. He allayed his longtime friend mentally, "Logan, please remain for a moment." Charles turned to Logan inside the sterile control booth, "She's an incredibly special mutant, Logan. I do not want to lose her. I cannot yet fully explain, but she has the potential for limitless power."

Logan scratched his stubble covered chin. "That would be a lot of power. Just what can she do?"

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Logan kicked back in his seat, propping his striped boots on the nearby console. He was hoping to catch a few winks on the way to snag this runaway mutant. He surreptitiously stole a glance at the Professor. Charles had told him everything about this mutant's powers, but... Soul sucking powers - Something more than just this mutant has definitely got the Prof worked up…He again wondered what had him agitated and why Charles would not share with his old friend. He knew that there must be more behind what his friend had actually said compared to what was not. A brief shadow of concern flickered over his rugged features. His black unruly eyebrows drew together for what most perceived a menacing display when oddly this was his natural expression.

Logan was considered a mystery for some, hidden to all…even partly to himself. The students thought him unapproachable and that would lead to much alone time and thinking, which led to 'the scowl', leading to those around him being apprehensive. Interestingly, he enjoyed keeping them at bay with such looks as it gave him an inflated sense of power. He savored his private time and had difficulty relating to the young kids as his youth was just like him - a mystery. Also, for the life of him, Logan just could not understand the kids, especially Kitty. Who was, at that moment, chatting up Jean directly behind him and with his exceptional hearing, he could hear every word; whether he wanted to or not.

He took another look at Xavier who was now staring blankly with his fingers tucked under his chin. Surmising him to be deep in thought, Logan closed his sinfully decadent chocolate eyes, stretched in the seat, crossed his arms, and settled in for the long plane ride. He knew that the chances of getting a brief nap were close to impossible, but he was trying to maintain a positive attitude in the face of overwhelming odds. His senses were on full alert belying his appearance of a relaxed state, but inside, Logan felt a tension rising, possibly from his chat with Charles, but it could just be the kids too. Heck, it's always the kids. He could all but smell what the kids were thinking...

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"I've logged our flight plan with the FAA. We're cleared through to Jackson. We'll take the van from there." Scott informed the Professor. "Good. You're picking up logistics quickly, Scott." As Scott returned to the control panel, Charles' thoughts again retreated back to the young girl oblivious to their mission. We cannot lose her. Lost in his contemplation, he did not notice the antics at the front of the jet until he actually heard Kitty shriek. He quickly reprimanded his student, hoping there would be no further incidents. He needed some quiet for the thoughts running through his mind.

Without moving a muscle or even opening an eye, Logan observed the scene. He'd heard the entire conversation between Jean and Kitty. He 'watched' as Kitty moved to the front of the jet after Kurt's wind-walking landed him in her lap. Snorting a half growl, "Kids." He could positively smell the desire pouring off of Kurt. It came in waves. The desire for acceptance. Poor little blue squirrel just wants half-pint to like him. If only he'd give her a bit of breathing room and quit 'popping' around her all the time. Logan sighed. He knew that Kitty liked Kurt, but she was not accustomed to this way of life - the X-men way of life. Kitty came from a 'normal' home with 'normal' people. He almost laughed the first time that she saw him pop his claws. She, on the other hand, had not. She'd almost fainted. He knew that if Kurt just gave her some space that they'd be best friends in no time. He just needs a bell. I'm gonna get that kid a bell…

Kitty plopped into the pilot's chair, surprising Scott almost as much as Kurt's departure. "Uh, hi." Kitty frowned back to him. Leaning in Scott whispered, "Are you ok?" Kitty gritted words out, "Yes, I'm fine." But Kitty did not feel fine. She needed – I need some air. Room to breathe already! But in the tight confines of the jet thousands of miles in the air, Kitty knew there was nowhere to go. She looked to her right at Scott. Handsome even with his visor covering his red glowing eyes, Scott always seemed to know the right thing to do. He's always so well prepared. Like a boy scout! He never would have insulted Kurt...Oh, now I'm going to have to apologize...

Scott raised an eyebrow but did not utter another word. He had learned to stay quiet with Jean - she would eventually start talking. The stopping, now that would be the dilemma. Then Kitty said in a hushed tone, "Ok, like I'm sorry, but he always just pops in on me….everywhere! I mean, personal space, much?" She brushed the hazel waves from her eyes and stared straight ahead, crossing her arms. "I mean, is it too much to ask for him to - I don't know - not do that?" Turning to face Scott again, she leaned halfway out of the co-pilot's chair and hissed, "And he totally did it in front of Mr. Logan. I'm so sure, especially after that danger room session this morning. Mr. Logan already thinks I am, like, a spaz already! He's probably thinking up some goof-ball nickname to give me, like Scaredycat! Or Chickencat…Oh. My. Gosh. What if he calls me 'Chickencat'?" Kitty continued to mumble to herself as she slammed back into the seat thinking she'd just heard Logan choke.

Scott chuckled, "Kitty, relax. Boy, sometimes I need a translator for you or maybe a Kitty-to-English dictionary?" At her smirk, he joked, "and you're talking, like, a mile a second!" She gave him a small smile. "But I do like the sound of Scaredycat," She stuck out her tongue. "and don't worry. Logan has names for all of us - whether we like them or not! Most often he sticks with 'kid'." Kitty sat up and leaned over towards him. Scott smiled and whispered, "It's because he's like 900 years old." Kitty gaped at him. Scott frowned, "Uh…not really, Kitty. I'm just kidding you." Kitty shifted in her seat to sneak a peek at the topic of conversation when abruptly his eyes shot open to catch her in the act. She slumped further down into the seat, "Is it possible to crawl under this thing – without, like, falling out?" Scott smiled at her twist on his joke and got one in return.

Logan almost choked as he struggled to not laugh aloud at Kitty's rant on nicknames. Chickencat – I should consider that….He would never admit it to anyone, but he secretly reveled in messing with the teens. While he spent a lot of time alone, he did enjoy being with these kids and Charles. However, he would never admit it – not even to save his life, maybe theirs. He glanced her way just in time to catch her staring at him. She slumped in her seat. Poor kid. Silently he chuckled. Half-pint …chickencat…Yeah, I'm going to have to remember that one. Logan once more closed his eyes to the youths around him…praying for a reprieve.

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And Cody did just that – ran. He ran all the way to his house. Standing in the middle of his street, he stared up at his home. He thought then of many things: his father, family, friends, and what had brought him here. Then he used the spare key, went in, up to his room, and sat on his bed. He was safe – at home. From the bed, he could see his dresser's mirror, and what he saw confused and terrified him. What is going on?! He stood up and looked in the mirror and gasped. Staring back at him was the girl – the girl from the dance. But I know her…all about her…He touched his face...her face, ran his gloved fingers through her hair. My hair. Her hair? Just who am I? Her or me? He touched his body, her body, running gloved hands over her stomach. This feels so weird. I'm a man not a girl. But the face in the mirror did not lie. I'm a girl now... He touched his breasts. Yep, they're mine. He threw his hands in the air. Everything felt like him or her, but it was almost as if he was not him at all. Cody sat on his bed. Out of the corner of her eye, he saw the book. Pulling out his album, she sat on the edge of the bed looking through his memories. "All this is me? Mine?" He looked in the mirror But I'm a girl, "But which me am I?" throwing his trophies onto the floor. He wanted to cry.

She turned as the door to his room flew open to see what appeared to be a very angry…Is that a badger? "Wh-who are you and what do you want?"

"You, girlie. I want you!" the blue-orange badger growled. Then he grew massive steel claws out of his knuckles, and charged towards her. She screamed and ducked as the badger jumped kicked the armoire. She briefly thought, He hates the armoire! And then wondered how that thought formed. The angry badger was talking about something – X-men? Picking up a broken board of what was formerly his closet, Cody asked, "X-men? I don't understand! I just want you to leave me alone!" He slammed the board into the badger's head and ran from his room as the badger howled.

She chillingly wondered, Do badgers howl?

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After a brief visit to the area hospital, the X-men split into two teams to search for the girl while Professor Xavier guided them. Logan led his team of Kitty and Kurt down the alley. "The Prof says the girl's mind is confused and difficult to pinpoint. So keep looking." He raised his nose, growling. He knew that scent.

"Was? Got a scent?"

"Yeah, I smell fear."

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He did not see the badger, but now a woman with ivory hair was chasing him through his yard. No, Cody's yard. I'm not Cody. The woman was talking about mutants. Am I a mutant? She jumped onto the fence wondering if this was how her life would end, screaming as she vaulted over seconds before the lightning bolt hit her. Hitting the dirt in the small back alleyway between the neighborhood homes, she rolled landing near some seemingly familiar feet.

"Honey, it's me, Irene. Try and remember," the blind woman said. Is that my name?

Everything was a huge jumble. She felt as if she had two minds and she ached from the touch. Who is this woman? How does she know me? Her head pounded as she searched for an answer. She was scared; gasping as her heart raced keeping time with the pulsating in her mind. "Who… wait, Irene yes, but…" She shook her head, he didn't know any 'Irene'. But I'm not Cody. I'm..."I'm so confused - strange thoughts in my head, people chasing me…" Nothing seemed to make sense. There is a badger and some lightning lady chasing me and throwing things and claws out of hands...She felt as if she were about to have heart attack right then and there.

"Easy, easy, honey. The police are coming. The X-men will not risk a confrontation." She sounded so sure of herself…and familiar to the young girl.

"X-men?" Didn't the badger say something about them?

"Yes, mutant hunters." Irene leaned down to the girl and held out her hand, wagging her fingers. "Now hurry. I have a friend who can help you. I'll take you to her."

"I don't know." But where can I go? I don't know where I am. I think I know Irene. Deciding quickly to trust the blind woman, she stood and took the woman's hand. "All this is happening so fast…I don't…" Turning she saw them. It's that claw happy badger and he brought friends! "It's him! The one who attacked me! Run, Irene, run!" She pulled her hand from Irene's grasp. She climbed over another fence begging, "Please, leave me be!"

Irene stood still as the three ran past her, then she realized that she held Rogue's right glove. No…

"That's got to be her," said Logan as he ran after her, half wondering what was wrong with her. He understood that she was unaware of her ability, and her mind was confused. Yet her fear filled the night air. It was, at this point, all he could smell. Did I hear her say that I attacked her? Is she delusional too? Kurt suddenly appeared in front of Logan with a small plume of smoke. "Wolverine, wait! She seems to be terrified by you. Let me try."

Logan growled, looking around, "Ok, kid, just don't mess up. Capice?"

"Yes, sir."

"I'll go find the Prof, and Squirt, put on your best face. No sense freaking the poor kid out anymore than she already is; and keep an eye on the Half-pint here." The last comment earned him a, "Hey!" from an already wounded Kitty.

Logan chuckled as he went for Xavier. Well, she knows her nickname now. At least I didn't call her, 'Chickencat'. He made a mental note to tell Chuck about the outright fear. It did not connect that she would be so afraid of them to run, and beg to be left alone. His heart went out to her. What is her ability? Just what happened to her?

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Kurt turned on his image inducer, turning him from a handsome, blue-furry, tailed mutant to a rather handsome regular-looking human. He teleported onto the tree swing just in time to see the girl run past him. "Guten tag fräulein." Rogue gasped, spun on her heal, staggering a bit, and looked ready to lay into him if necessary. "Please don't be frightened," with his soft German accent. He teleported over onto the birdbath near the redhead, giving her what he hoped would be a reassuring expression. It missed its mark.

"What do you want?" she asked somewhat brusquely.

"To help you. We're the good guys." Kurt hopped down, walked towards her – only to find her backing away from him. He stopped. "Especially me," he said, thumbing towards himself. He smiled. She crossed her arms, but at least she was not backing away anymore. This is going good. Now, to convince her…"We've come all this way to find you. We are the..." The words died on his lips. She was looking for a way out of this yard. He attempted a different approach, "I know what you are going through. I've been exactly where you are. I was like you once, alone and unsure of what I was – afraid to show my face. Can you believe it?" He flipped his dark hair out of his eyes, smiling, hoping she would respond in kind. "Me? As I am so very handsome, do you not think?"

"Um…I guess so?" He's asking about his looks?

"Danke." Well, at least she isn't running away.

"But who are you? Are you with them… or that pissed off badger that's been chasing me?" She rubbed her left arm with her bare hand, thinking, Why am I just standing here calmly? I don't know him and he just appeared out of smoke! Smelly smoke... I'm in some stranger's backyard that probably has a gun aimed right at us and I'm being chased by some crazy person with 10 foot claws for hands?! I have lost my mind. It's gone, gone, gone. No brain function. Rogue struggled to remain calm, to breathe normally, or else she would drop right here. She was exhausted, having trouble keeping up with everyone and everything changing all in one night – I need a scorecard! She intensely hoped that this poofing guy meant her no harm. She could use the break. So tired, but he seems friendly enough…

"Badger?" Kurt could not remember ever being so confused. Is she in her right mind? Who's the badger?

"Yeah, with the claws – bear, badger, aardvark – whatever he is. He tried to kill me in my home. Why kill me? But it wasn't my home. Then the one with lightning. It's been a very confusing night. I was him, but now I'm me. At least I think I'm me. I don't know which way is up and which way is home. I've never been here before. At least, I think I've never been here before." Rogue looked up at him. Her emerald eyes pleading, "I don't remember," ending on a whisper.

Kurt was startled, while the Professor had explained a bit of what he had surmised about her gift; he did not know the mental or physical toll, or even how she could be affected. She must be so scared. He desperately wanted to help her, especially now. She did seem to be thinking about what he had said. Maybe I'm getting to her...and that means I can help her. Behind her, he could see Kitty phasing through the fence. Good reinforcements. Kitty will be good for help. Then he saw Kitty lunge. Nicht, this is not good!

"Kitty, NO!"

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Half-pint? Really? I'll show him! Kitty huffed, fumed, and wanted to prove herself. She could handle herself. They all treat me with kid gloves like I'm some sort of princess. Kitty could not make out what was being said through the fence, but it did not matter. Kurt only needed to keep the mutant in the same place long enough for the team to come grab her. After all, the Professor says she's dangerous. You know, we shouldn't take any chances. She phased through the fence. "She doesn't look so tough to me." The mutant's attention was solely focused on Kurt. We've got her! Kitty lunged and heard Kurt yell, "Kitty, NO!" Already launched, Kitty tackled her hard – even Logan would have been proud. I got her! They hit the ground together, but Kitty found herself thrown off, quite easily, as if she were the weight of a mere feather.

Kurt tried to grab the girl, but she was ready now and fought until her hand was free to push him away. Rogue fought hard, slamming her fist on his wrist, trying to break his hold, but instead found his inducer. Instantly, he changed from 'normal' person to a blue-furry-golden-eyed Chipmunk? No, more like a lemur. It doesn't matter what he is! "Let me go!" pushing him away only to accidentally touch his face.

Kurt tried to hold her, but she was fighting for her life. If I can just win back her trust – calm her down. Once she hit his wrist, he knew she could see his face. His real face. Oh no! He had no idea what to do now; he searched for help. Where's Wolverine? She'll never trust me now. She'll think I lied! She yelled and shoved him, but her hands were coming for his face. Too late, he let her go. Too late, she realized what she'd done. His world went slowly black, hers sizzled with electricity.

Rogue fell backwards, and inhaled, disappearing in a putrid plume.

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Kurt felt himself sinking slowly. As if, he were sinking into his bed, but it felt so much harder, and cold, and wet. He could feel the fall, but was helpless to stop it as the lights dimmed. He could hear a distant Kitty, "Nightcrawler, Nightcrawler!" He wanted to answer her, but she was too far away. She'd never be able to hear him. On his knees, he could feel himself sluggishly turn as he landed. Almost like a dream. For a moment, it felt as if Kitty were touching his arm. All at once, nothing.

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Instantaneously, Rogue arrived in a cemetery, along with some very sour smelling smoke. She coughed and fanned her face. What in the world? Looking around, she quickly deduced she did not have the faintest where she actually was. What is going on, already? "What just happened? Where am I? And Ich verstehe deutsche. I can speak German? The fuzzy one – Kurt. I'm him….like I was Cody." Rogue beheld her hands, they felt as if they were on fire, but she could clearly see they were not. Her limbs were numb yet burned. Her body electrified, sizzling with each breath. Her head ached, worse than previously. She felt like Kurt. She knew what he knew, what he had been thinking, and who he was, exactly how she had believed she was Cody. Rogue wanted to make sense of this. She tried to focus her anguished mind. Even though her head throbbed, she attempted to listen to the memories inside. Understanding dawned. "I think I'm catching on now. But how did I?" closing her eyes, focusing, she disappeared in a puff of acidic air, to find herself atop an ancient mausoleum. I think got it!

Concentrating, Rogue teleported all across the cemetery; on top of mausoleums, headstones, pathways. It was almost freeing. She smiled as she ported from place to place, giggled as she discovered this new ability. It was like flying – almost. Thinking about each destination, Rogue found herself appearing there shortly after each thought. Amazing! I could go anywhere! My power is so neat! Wait, it's not mine, it's his – Kurt's. She landed on an old worn concrete bench, which promptly deposited her on the ground as it crumbled. Crumbled. Just like me. I'm falling apart. She sat in the rubble of the bench. In truth, Rogue had nowhere to go. She thought about Cody and Kurt, staring at her hands - one bare, one gloved. Were they dead? Did I kill them? Is that my skin condition that Irene has pounded into me all these years? She wondered just what had she done to them. What am I? Death? Rogue hoped not.

She still felt like Cody. She still felt like Kurt. She wondered if she would ever feel like her again. The answer was simple. No. Rogue would never be the same. She wanted to wake up from this nightmare. This ain't no dream though. She would not wake up at home, and return to her regular life; because she was not the same anymore. Her life was not the same anymore. She had changed. In a touch. Rogue looked at her bare right hand. Her index fingernail was chipped. She examined every line in the flesh. She inspected her rings on her fingers. She scrutinized each pore. Just a touch. It did not make sense. She could not fathom. She had done all this in a touch. Everything. Gone. In just a touch.

Rogue pulled her legs from the fragments of debris up to her chest, placing her head on her knees, wrapping her arms around herself, praying for a reprieve.

"When is this all going to end?"

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Kitty rolled Kurt towards her, "Nightcrawler, Nightcrawler!" She held his hand, checking for a pulse, she checked his breathing as well. He's alive! She begged him to wake up and tease her. He did not move. Stay calm Kitty. Kitty worked hard to keep calm. Where is Wolverine?! "What would Wolverine do? I mean, besides dice up like half the landscape?" She looked at Kurt, "Wait, the Professor can read minds, right?" Maybe he can hear my thoughts... Kitty focused, closing her eyes, yet still holding Kurt's hand.

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The second team of Jean, Ororo, and Scott regrouped at the van with Professor Xavier, after having no success in finding the mutant on the run. Professor Xavier explained that the trail had become cold and could no longer track the young mutant. He could no longer sense Cody's brainwave patterns. Charles contemplated aloud with Jean that perhaps this meant that transference was temporary, which he surmised would make her difficult, if not impossible to track or find.

Logan vaulted over the nearby fence, with a solution, stating simply, "Try about ten gardens due west. Kurt's trying to keep her from bolting."

"Then we must..." Charles could not finish his thought for the voice screaming in his mind.

PROFESSOR, PROFESSOR! Kitty reported, It's Kurt, she hurt him...she did something to him. While she was trying hard not to panic, she was alone, and Kurt was not responding. They had not trained for this, at least Kitty had not. Xavier informed the others of the situation.

Logan unsheathed his claws, feeling his anger rise as his sympathy for the girl faded. "This is my fault; I shouldn't have left the little squirrel in charge." He swiftly jumped the same fence, running full speed to reach Kurt and Kitty. She was alone, Kurt was hurt, and he blamed himself. He pushed himself, worry and his need to protect driving him harder and faster. He needed to get to the kids immediately.

Charles focused solely on Kurt's brainwaves, using his powers. "I'm getting a clear reading on Kurt's brainwave patterns. It's more focused each time she uses her power. You three, go ahead, I'll guide you." He stayed at the van and communicated telepathically with the team. He discovered she was in a nearby cemetery. He hoped they would arrive in time.

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Jean saw her first. She was backed up against a large headstone, elbows on knees, head down. Informing the teams, I've found her. I'm going to approach. Jean strode slowly but purposefully towards her. Hoping for the best, Jean simply greeted with, "Hi," and waited for her reaction.

"Do-Do I know you? These memories – I'm so confused. I think I know you, but it's Kurt, isn't it? Not me. It's too much..." Rogue closed her eyes, holding her head. It hurt, her body in misery, and this night had been nowhere near what she had planned when she left home. Tell God your plans...And it's never going to end...

"Yeah, I know. I can relate to what you're going through." Jean ached to reach her. While she did not know exactly what the girl was feeling Jean did understand about the loss of control over one's gifts.

"Jean, you're Jean Grey!" Rogue stood in realization, "You're like the others!" Her eyes darted back and forth, seeking escape. Backing away to run, she stopped when Jean comforted, "Relax! If you know who I am, then you know I won't hurt you."

Jean continued as Rogue stopped. "Look it's tough to go it solo. Hey, zero pressure, but if you want to talk more," She opened her hand revealing a small device even as the girl flinched, "you can reach me anytime with this communicator." She closed her eyes, focusing on sending the device through the air to the scared girl.

She took the small black rectangle within her bare hand. Looking from Jean to her hand, Rogue seemed to visibly relax. Maybe she's like Kurt. I know about her because he knows about her...oh my head!

Jean informed her, "It doesn't matter what time of day or night, I'll answer. I want to help you. I keep my communicator with me all the time, no matter what – I never leave home without it. Come to think of it, I'm never home without it either." She smiled encouraged by the girl's curiosity.

The girl stared at the tiny contraption, turning it over in her hands. A small flame of hope sparked in that instant. She glanced back at Jean. A slight smile formed on her lips, "Latest fashion accessory, huh?"

Scott and Ororo walked up behind Jean in time to hear the last part of the conversation. Seeing that Jean had given her a communicator, Ororo commented, "We all have one."

The young mutant turned a shocked face toward the advancing pair. Her expression so frightened that even Scott turned wondering what the girl saw.

"Y...You...you," pointing at Ororo, "NO! You won't take me!" The terrified girl took off at running from the ones who sought to help.

"No, wait!" Scott ran to go after her, but caught in a hole, and losing his footing, fell into a pool of mud.

Jean was at a complete loss. "I don't get it. We were connecting and then..."

Ororo filled in the blank, "And then she saw me. For some reason, she's afraid of me."

"Well, she looked pretty beat. She can't have gone far," said Scott wiping mud from his face. "Let's spilt up and try to find her. Wolverine will be on the way once he gets to Shadowcat and Nightcrawler. But let's find her before then - calm her down, and find out what's got her so scared. I'll head east, Jean, you take west, and Storm, you got the sky." The team spilt up to look for the runaway.

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Rogue found an open mausoleum, stumbled in, and collapsed down beside the tomb between the tall decorative urns. Breathing hard, clutching the communicator, she could not have been more confused. Earlier, that woman had thrown lightning at her, but now was with Jean, who was with Kurt, who wanted to help. Ugh! Nothing about tonight makes sense! Rogue screamed inside her raw battered mind. She rocked, curled tight against the slab, shaking, heart racing, and body begging for rest. Suddenly Rogue heard a noise above her, she gasped, and crawled around the coffin, and nervously looked up.

The guy, who had chased her yelling, leapt through the cutout in the mausoleum ceiling. He came straight at her, shouting, "Thought you could escape us, did you? The X-men don't leave loose ends!" He easily pushed over a large iron urn, driving a second vessel right at her. Narrowly avoiding being crushed, Rogue scrambled out through the opening slamming into the exact same person. Completely baffled, Rogue screamed and shoved him as she ran back into the crypt.

Scott was stunned when he collided with the terrified girl, but before he could utter one sound, she screamed and pushed him. He slipped on the wet stone steps, falling into another, larger mud pool hard. Not again… He hit the ground painfully and could not control the optic blast of red energy, which hit the utility tower, severing it near the top. It sent sparks in nearly every direction as it crashed to the ground.

Running back inside the vault, Rogue almost crashed into Jean. However, now Jean was yelling too, "I tried, I really did, but some people just won't be helped!" holding her hand menacingly at Rogue. Retreating, Rogue inhaled a whimper and disappeared in a billow. Finding herself at a paralyzing height above ground, and dropping at a dizzying speed, Rogue shrieked, teleporting feet from the dirty ground, and landed with a thump.

Jean saw the entire teleport and rushed to Rogue's side, "Are you hurt? Lie still, don't try to move." Rogue sat up, digging her boots into the mud and dirt, pushing herself away from the very person who had just attacked her. Ororo landed nearby and hurried over to help the confused girl. As she approached, questioned, "Child, what is it? We are your friends," Ororo kneeled down for a more non-threatening presence. She attempted to explain, "We have come to..." but Rogue twisted, grabbing her exposed wrist.

Electricity met lightning.

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The pain was intense; Rogue gritted her teeth against the onslaught of fire that sought to consume her. She struggled to release the woman, but they seemed polarized, trapped opposites pushing against, yet attached to one another. Rogue felt as though her flesh were seared by the contact. Each woman fought for freedom from the other. The touch felt as though it lasted an eternity, but it was mere seconds. Rogue's skin ignited, nerves ablaze, mind pounding, when abruptly Ororo, unconscious, was thrown clear into a large pool of watery mud.

A shrill storm swept throughout Rouge's body, an all-consuming burning fire raged to life full of agony torturing every fiber of her being as she was swept up into the dark night sky. Every emotion and thought released itself onto the black night with hurricane force winds, an onslaught of rain, thunder, and lightning. Trees toppled and tombs collapsed from the brunt of the violent tempest. Lightning crashed around Rogue as her arms splayed out in sheer strain and torment caused by the power absorption from Ororo. Her limbs were on fire despite the downpour that raged; her mind pulsed along with the thunder; her skin was scorched even as hail beat down.

Jean and Scott tried to brave the elemental assault Rogue had unknowingly created, but it was of little use. "She's got Storm's powers, but not her control," Scott shouted over the winds. Nearby power lines took a strike of lightning, "The power lines! If they hit that water, Storm will be fried!" The two ran to Storm's aid, Scott plummeting into the freezing pool, taking Ororo into his arms, as Jean lifted them telekinetically. "I can't keep us up for long..." she cried.

The pain was unbearable for Rogue, she felt as though her limbs were being severed, her bones mere tinder for the fire burning within. With her body and mind already battered, she was unable to defend against the personification of her inner tug of war. This was simply too much for her. She wailed in agony, "Too much power...I can't control it...I have to..." jade eyes wide - full of excruciating pain, she vanished in a vapor.

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There's a large amount of dialogue borrowed from the tv show, and that will continue into chapter two, but then you will be seeing a break from the series. Enjoy.