A/N: Howdy. This is AU obvi, I'm taking two things I am passionate about and making a story for shits and giggles. Thanks for reading, you're the real MVP. Also, we're just getting started here, so the whole X Men skating universe isn't explained in this chapter. Give it time. If it's too technical or not technical enough lemme know.

On Edge

With two strong strokes Rogue returned to the boards where her coach was waiting. It was uncommon for Mystique to call her over mid warm up, so Rogue did her best to be quick yet graceful. Even in practice it had been drilled into her head to move swiftly. She stopped on a dime with a t stop to show her coach she was ready to hear what was to be said. While both of her coaches were known throughout the ISU for being incredibly strict Mystique was often the harshest towards Rogue, partially because as her mother she felt it was it be strict. This didn't bother Rogue, because she knew also it was a sign that Mystique felt she could handle it, and the last skater that Mystique put that kind of time into training won silver at the Olympics. Figure skating was her life's work, and while she was only 16, she knew that the next few years would be pivotal in her rising through the ranks and becoming a well-established senior.

Two yellow eyes narrowing at her made Rogue suddenly more nervous than she had been before. Racking her brain for what she could have possibly done wrong in the two warm up laps she had done left her perplexed. Mystique however wouldn't ever hold back from telling her exactly what was wrong however, so her worry and confusion meant nothing for long.

"Anna" Mystique began, and this was an immediate tip-off that it was serious. Mystique had long used the name that fans and commentators had gifted her years ago when she was speaking to Rogue at the rink. It was rare that fans came up with a name for someone below senior rank, and it was a sign of respect. As a coach, and as someone who preferred her own nick name Raven respected the tradition. Before continuing Mystique motioned towards the rink door, suggesting her charge make her way off the ice to talk, something she had only done once before. Once off the ice and in a locker room she continued. "Anna, you have made some amazing progress in singles competition."

Shock washed over Rogue. Compliments from Mystique in 'coach mode' were as rare as snowballs in hell. Either it was the apocalypse or something was very wrong. Slowly Mystique continued once more " While I understand that you have put hundreds of hours into training for individual competition a pairs partnership has open up. One of the students that Magneto occasionally choreographs for has recently broke off with his partner and his coach is looking for someone to train with him."

After her rough brake with Cody Rogue was not looking for a new partner. Skating singles after or at the same time as pairs was an adjustment, but hell if Kristi Yamaguchi could do it, so could she. She had been quite skilled in pairs, and had been devastated to give it up but anything was better than risking someone's life. Rogue had almost killed Cody when she discovered her mutant powers. While being a mutant wasn't always accepted, in skating, a haven for perfection she had expected immediate rejection. Instead she gained the moniker 'The Rogue' and had become a role model for many other mutants skaters to talk about their experiences. Including the ice princess herself Kitty Pride of Xaiver's Skating School of Westchester New York. With this turn of events her career wasn't over. Unfortunately her partnership with Cody was. While he had no hatred or anger towards her his parents were another story, and it was almost an immediate break.

Wearily Rogue looked at the woman who was so much more than a coach to her and said the magic words for a bullshit free conversation. "Can I speak to you as my mother?" Rogue bluntly stated. The statement in all it's magic glory caused the slightest of smiles on her mother's face.

"I would be disappointed if you didn't. This is a big decision, and you shouldn't take it lightly. I know that you've worked incredibly hard to be where you are right now, and you by no means need to go back to pairs skating. While you loved it, I know that it also broke your heart." In her 'mother mode' Mystique dropped many of the strict mannerisms she held as a coach. While coach and mom did frequently mix (about as frequently as daughter and student) having the two sides often saved them from having more fights than normal in the high drama world that is an ice rink. While their relationship was occasionally strained it amazingly enough was not the worst one out there.

Sensing her mother meant business Anna probed for more details. "What level would we be starting on, and who is he?" As a skater on the cusp of becoming a senior, the top rank Rogue knew that going back to anything below novice would be risky, and if he was a highly ranked novice or junior she would likely know at least of him. The skating community was small enough that even if you didn't know everyone well you bumped into each other at warm ups, competitions and other various events. It was unavoidable. It would be likely that he'd be a bit older than her, as was quite common in pairs teams, but that would only mean he had been around the block longer, and there as an even greater chance she knew him.

Mystique wanted to prepare her daughter as much as possible before giving a name to the offer. "He has already agreed to train here at the Brotherhood. He's also a mutant, and would be willing to work with your gloves. If you are interested in pairs, I honest don't think you'll find a better option." The additional facts were comforting. It was good to know that she could be herself, and that she wouldn't have to change rinks, as that would be a major deal breaker for her. These facts however didn't fool her. She could sense the distraction from a mile away, and thus questioned her mother.

"That's all great, but what's his level, and who is he?"

Mystique looked at her daughter. "He's the reigning National Junior Champion."

The surprise was evident in Anna's face. National Champions didn't split with their partners frequently, and it was a minor miracle that she hadn't already heard about it. With obvious shock she questioned her mother, "Le Diable Blanc split with Belladonna?"

Author's Notes:

ISU stands for the International Skating Union

USFSA is the United States Figure Skating Association, the competitive skating branch

ISI Ice Skating Institute, a recreational skating branch, it will likely not be referenced much in this story.

I briefly skated USF, I mostly did ISI, but I am a longtime fan of the sport. This will likely be more realistic than a Disney Channel movie, but not a realistic as real life.

Also ranks are as follow: Pre Preliminary, Preliminary, Pre Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, Senior. Seniors are the people you see on the telly. Everyone else is who you see if you're a crazy dedicated fan and go to sectionals or all of nationals.