Disclaimer – Takes place after X-3. Xavier, Scott and Jean are still dead. The cure has been proven temporary in most cases. I obviously don't own anything. This is a fic heavy with romance, action, manipulation and angst. Everything the doctor ordered.

The Curse of the Alderians

Chapter One – "Umm Can We Like…Help You?"

Sakura gazed up at the mansion in silence. She had never imagined that there would be another place for her to call home, especially not one that was inhabited by other mutants like herself. She brushed a few strands of hair from her face and closed her eyes. She couldn't stand outside forever…and it looked like it was about to rain. She pulled her bag higher onto her shoulder and began the long walk to the big double doors.

However what should have been an uneventful walk became anything but as a young brown haired girl came flying out of the trees. She tripped over herself as three other guys followed obviously engaged in a rousing game of 'catch me.' Sakura groaned, she had never been one for childish games. Sadly they spotted her and she knew that the next logical step was a very guarded inquiry about who she was.

"Hi…umm can we like help you?" the girl asked crossing her arms and trying to look threatening. Sakura almost laughed but considering if the rumors of other mutants living here were true…the girl may really be that threatening.

"My name is Sakura. I came here to see Professor Xavier." The moment the name left her lips the girls face fell and tears came to her eyes. One of the boys placed his arm around her glaring at Sakura as though it was her fault that the name caused the young girl pain.

"The professor passed away three months ago." Sakura felt her heart drop into her stomach and the disappointment and anguish was clearly written on her face. One of the other boys a taller blond with shimmery gray eyes took a step towards her, "Miss Munroe is in charge now. She can probably help you." Sakura wanted to believe him but couldn't let her hopes up again. "Please, where is she?"

Storm sat behind the large desk in the Professors office and gazed at his empty wheelchair. She didn't know why but she felt connected to him when she was in this room, almost as though a part of him was still here protecting them and helping them from beyond this world. The silence was broken however when four of her students and a stranger entered the room. She got to her feet in alarm prepared to fight if required.

"Miss Munroe this is Sakura. She needs your help." Kitty said glancing back at Sakura and motioning her forward. Storm gazed at the other girl in hesitation before remembering her duties and moving forward to welcome the girl. "Sakura my name is Ororo Munroe and I am the headmistress of this school. What can I do for you?"

Sakura didn't waste any time in revealing just what had brought her to the school. "I've been in hiding for six and a half years. I'm tired and need a safe place…and I bring news." It took only minutes for Ororo to clear the room and call Logan to the office. Sakura sat down and waited until it was clear for her to begin. Logan entered and went to stand next to Storm gazing down at the younger girl in silence. "Okay what's going on now?" he asked glancing at Storm. Sakura took a deep breath and began her narrative.

"I have been, as I said, in hiding for the last six and a half years. I was hidden in a small underground community in northern Canada but three months ago a small group of people came to us. They weren't there to capture us…or to kill us. In fact they came seeking our help…or at least that's what they said. They asked to speak in front of the entire community but I didn't attend, as I was unwell at the time. The next thing I know I'm waking to the screams of my fellow mutants. I got up from my bed and lifted the flap of my tent to see death and destruction everywhere. The newcomers had vanished but my friends were ripping each other apart. I fled."

By this point Sakura's face was wet with tears. It was so hard to relive the pain of that night. Watching her friends die at each other's hands was one of the worst experiences she had ever had. Slowly she wiped the tears away and struggled to finish her story. "I came here not only for help but to warn you as well. I fear that whoever these people are they are targeting groups of mutants and somehow turning them on one another. I came here hoping to help prevent this and make a new home for myself amongst you…if you will accept me."

Storm's head was pounding. What Sakura had just told her was one of the most horrible things she had ever heard but what was really causing her agony was the thought of what would happen should something like that occur here. In her head she was watching the students attack one another; blood soaked everything in sight and she felt her stomach lurch. Wolverine was far more composed though, and he gently squeezed Storm's shoulder bringing her back to reality.

With a small smile Storm nodded, "We would be happy to have you here with us Sakura. We will always have room for those in need. Logan, would you take Sakura down to the kitchen and then come back here. You should be able to find someone who can help her settle in along the way."

Logan nodded and motioned for Sakura to follow him, as they entered the living room they found most of the students huddled around Kitty, Joshua, Bobby and Piotr. They had obviously been talking about Sakura's mysterious appearance because they stopped talking the moment she entered and looked a little too guilty for her tastes. Logan looked around, "Where's Rogue?"

Bobby shrugged, "I think she's in her room. She hasn't come out much lately." Logan narrowed his eyes at Bobby before turning to a small black haired girl sitting across the room from him. "Jubilee, take Sakura and help her get settled in." Jubilee nodded and made her way to the two of them. "Hi Sakura, my name is Jubilee. So do you know where you're sleeping yet?" she asked curiously looking the older girl over.

Sakura had long chocolate brown hair that rested just above her hips and bright violet eyes that seemed to take in everything around her in an instant. She was wearing dark jeans and an emerald green sweater. " She's in Rogue's room." Logan said before departing.

Jubilee winced, she loved Rogue dearly but since she had taken the cure Rogue had become very moody and withdrawn. Jubilee had a hard time being around her when she was like that. "I guess we had better go up and introduce you to your roommate first." With a sigh she started up the stairs heading for the third floor.

Rogue lay on her bed staring at the ceiling in disgust. She thought taking the cure would make everything easier but it had just become harder. So few people here understood what she had done. They considered her a traitor but they just didn't understand. How could they? They had no idea what it was like not being able to enjoy simple physical contact, a hug, holding hands…nothing. It was miserable.

A knock on the door brought her out of her self-pitying reverie and she sat up slightly as Jubilee and a girl she didn't know came in. "Rogue…this is Sakura. She's your new roommate."

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End Notes – So…what did you think? Cliffhanger ending maybe…but you'll forgive me right?

Next Chapter – Introductions of The Mutant Kind