Well, I thought this saga had come to an end but a while back I started receiving requests for another instalment so here you go. Same rules apply: This follows on from the original trilogy but ignores all prequels and sequels. And reading of my earlier stories is recommended.


CHAPTER ONE

The television set in the corner of the study showed the image of a dark-haired man who seemed somewhere in his late thirties or early forties. His eyes burned with passion as he orated zealously on his chosen subject. "This country has grown too soft in recent years. We are told of rights, of tolerance, of equal opportunities. But what about the rights of the rest of us? The right to feel safe, to be protected from those who would do our society danger? These rights are being taken from us and given to mutants. We are told we must accept them, that they are as much citizens of this country as we are. But just because an animal is born in this country does not make it a US citizen. The laws of this land only apply to humans. And these beings are not human, they are an abberation. If we do not act soon, this will be their country, their world, and we…we will be extinct. I urge you not to let this happen…"

The eyes of Professor Charles Xavier had slowly narrowed as he watched the speech. They were words he had heard many times, words he had hoped were long in the past. Perhaps experience should have taught him otherwise. Perhaps he was cursed always to be a frustrated optimist. But he had to hope for the day when it would finally be over, when such insular beliefs were a thing of the past.

"Who is this?"a voice asked behind him.

Professor X looked round to see that Cable had entered. He lifted the remote control from his desk and used it to mute the sound. "His name is Graydon Creed. He is the leader of a group calling themselves the Friends of Humanity. He is a charismatic speaker. It is a shame about the message he is spreading."

"He doesn't like mutants,"Cable concluded.

"No. And he is determined to sway others to his opinion."

"But why doesn't he like mutants?"

Xavier sighed. "Perhaps because he is not one? Because he chooses to reject the unlike? I don't know. I doubt he fully knows himself."


Storm stared into the bedroom mirror as she adjusted her dress and put on her earrings. Wolverine stood off to one side, looking like he wanted to be just about anywhere else. "Do we really have to do this? It's not like the kids need a chaperone anymore. It'd be a waste of effort anyway, they get up to whatever they want most of the time."

"This concert is important, Logan,"Storm admonished him. "Just think what it means. A mutant rock star and a popular one at that. A few years ago, that would have been unheard of."

"I know. And I'm pleased about it, really I am. But why do we have to go and see her?"

"Because the kids wanted to go and…so do I."

Wolverine sighed. "You know that I can never refuse when you smile at me like that, don't you?"

"It's one of my special powers."

"It's certainly something." He put an arm round her shoulder and gave her a quick kiss. "Okay, let's go."


Rogue was looking down at Harmony, who was asleep in her cot. It was hard to believe her daughter was over a year old now. So much had happened. Bobby came up behind her and laid his hands on her shoulders. "It's time to get going."

"I don't like leaving her,"Rogue said softly.

"I know. But Dani's babysat for her before and the Professor will be here. Nothing's going to happen to her. And we deserve a night out together."

"Yes, and I want that, I really do."

"I know that we're parents now but we're still us. Bobby and Rogue. And you've got to admit, that's quite a nice thing to be." He pulled her towards him and kissed her, intensely.

Rogue pulled back a moment and raised an eyebrow. "Okay, seems to me like you're angling for a night in."

"Maybe when we come back?"

Rogue smiled and took his hand and they headed downstairs.


Kitty sat on the bed. Warren sat with his back to her, doing his tie up. "We don't have to go,"she told him.

Warren moved his head slightly in her direction but still didn't look her in the eyes. "No, it's okay."

"I mean, the mansion's going to be pretty quiet with the others gone. We could stay in, have a night to ourselves."

"It'll do us good to get out with the others." Warren stood up and turned. She was pleased that he at least looked at her. But he still didn't smile. "How do I do?"

"You look fine,"Kitty assured him. She got up and placed a hand on his arm, going to kiss him. But he pulled away, like he always seemed to do these days. She could barely remember the last time she'd touched him without him doing so.

"We'll be late,"he said quietly and led the way out.


Gambit and Jubilee were standing by the doorway already, him nuzzling at her neck as she giggled happily. Wolverine and Storm approached. "You finished eating that girl, cajun?"Wolverine asked.

Gambit smiled at Jubilee. "Do not worry, cherie. The wolverine is merely jealous."

Jubilee smiled back. "Sorry, did he say something? I wasn't listening."

Wolverine sighed. "Kids today."

Storm looked back at the stairs. Rogue and Bobby were descending, Kitty and Warren close behind them. "Everyone's here." She looked pointedly at Logan.

Logan sighed. "Okay, let's go and get deafened. At least my healing factor can put my ears back together afterwards…"