Chapter One
Rogue stepped out into the bright sunlight of the entrance way leading up to the institutes front gate. She blocked the sun from her gaze with her hand and scanned the road ahead. It was nice and empty, perfect for a morning walk. She started off at a brisk pace and found herself falling into a full out run. She grinned as the wind blew against her face, cooling her skin. She quickly reached the intersection where the institutes driveway way met the road which led into town. It was a shady road with wide side walks. Two people were jogging the walk on the opposite side of the road where she was. She smiled at them and the waved back continuing on their way. She crossed to the other side of the institutes entrance way and was about to walk back up it when a young woman came out of the bushes by the road and approached her.
"You are called Rogue?" Asked the stranger.
"Yes, who are you? What do you want?"
"I was told to give this to you." Said the woman, holding out a white envelope.
Rogue took it. She glanced at it and saw with shock that written on the front was the name Anna Marie. Her real name. Rogue looked up at the woman.
"Who are you and who gave this to you?" She said.
"I live in the city. Yesterday a man came up to me at my work. He told me to go here and to give this to someone who answered by the name of Rogue."
Rogue could see that the stranger was telling the truth. She thanked the woman and walked quickly up to the gate of her home. Once inside the gate she walked around the circular drive up to the main door and entered. She made her way through hallways to her room, passing several kids heading to breakfast.
After Rogue showered and dressed for the day, then she went over to her bed where she had placed the envelope. She lay on the bed and opened the note. Inside was a folded paper which read.
Anne Marie, or Rogue as you are usually called.
I know that usually the x-men and I have not seen eye to eye, but please consider this offer; even though it comes from me. I wish to speak to you and I wish to speak to you peacefully.
Will you meet me at Veneto's tomorrow at 6 p.m. for dinner? Please come alone.
Erik Lehnsherr, or Magneto as you know me by.
Rogue stared at the paper in her hands. she folded it back up and sat up. "What should I do?" She thought and stared out the window at the end of her bed. Out side in the garden she could see Bobby shaping a ice sculpture of a comic looking Logan with flowers instead of blades. As she watched Logan came up behind bobby and put out his claws. Rogue grinned as Bobby's body stiffened at the sound, then ran. Logan shook his head and rolled his eyes at the fleeing Bobby he kicked the offending statue over and grinned as it shattered then began heading back toward the house. Rogue laughed and turned back to her note.
"He said peaceful..." She said to herself. "But just in case, I won't wear gloves.
