To Save a Rogue
To Save a Rogue
By:
C.D. Lamarr
April 10, 2008
Chapter 1
"You want me to do what??"
"It's the only way Raven!"
Raven Darkholme—or the shape shifting Mutant known as Mystique—regards the Telepath sitting across from her in unrestrained wonder.
"Why are you asking this of me Irene?"
"Because only you have the power to do it!"
"Do you have any idea what you're asking me to do? Do you know what that girl is capable of?"
"Rogue's mutant powers", Irene pleads, "Are about to evolve! She's about to experience a power surge like no other Mutant! Without help—without intervention the process—could kill her!"
The shape shifter's yellow eyes narrow dangerously.
"What about Xavier", she snaps?
"Not enough!"
"Charles Xavier—not enough?? What have you been drinking?? Of course he's--
"Not enough", Irene interrupts!
"Charles Xavier is perhaps the most powerful Cerebral in--
Irene Danvers shakes her head tersely.
"I know what Charles is capable of and I'm telling you it won't be enough! If Marie is to survive this transformation it will require both your powers—your power to protect her vital organs during the shift, the professor's to protect her mind and to prevent her going mad during the process and the power of one more!"
Mystique looks aghast!
"What one more? Come on out with it!"
"She'll need to imprint the Wolverine's healing factor to repair any damage that occurs!"
Mystique's eyes go wide!
"Wolverine", she gasps, "Are you crazy!"
"It will take all three of you to save her. Your powers working together will be the key to Rogue's survival!
"Do you actually think", grates the shape shifter, "That Xavier—let alone Wolverine would agree to work along with me—even under these circumstance?"
"Raven--
"It won't do Irene! They'll never agree to it!"
"Then", rejoins Irene flatly, "Marie—will die."
Mystique is silenced.
She drops her head meditatively exhaling sharply. Rogue has long been an object of interest to Mystique. Long ago she'd seen the girl's potential—a staggering array of uncharted, untapped mutant abilities! She wanted all that power for herself! This is why she had adopted Rogue in the first place when she was four years old and hid her in a back water of Mississippi.
Her powers of absorption—as Mystique herself could testify—were formidable! Mystique had foreseen that its development would eventually yield powers that would one day outstrip hers, Magneto's and even Xavier's! The ability to absorb and used the abilities of others would make her one of the most powerful Mutants on the planet—and Mystique wanted her in the camp of the Brotherhood of Mutants!
Such power—or the prospect of gaining control of it left Mystique feeling rather magnanimous upon the whole. The brutality of Rogue's power when she touched you—the burn of it as it tore through your Central Nervous System—like touching live wires and having their power burn through you like one of Storm's lightning bolts—she'd felt that too!
It would be a small sacrifice considering the reward!
And—she might have a little fun besides!
She always did like to get a rise out of the Wolverine!
Watching his temper explode—providing she could stay out of his reach that was the sticking point—would be some good sport! After months of inactivity she could use a little excitement just now!
But still she asks:
"And this is absolutely necessary?? I have to actually let her touch me??"
"It has to be done in the next few days—otherwise--
"Supposing I—were to do this", Mystique interrupts, "And I'm certainly not inclined to take so lethal a risk—in any event—how do you propose to get Xavier involved—and Wolverine?"
"Well--
"They'd never listen to me—so you can forget that!"
"Maybe not", says Irene with a smirk, "But—I'm sure they'll listen to……….
…………………….say………………..Juggernaut!"