I don't own any of these characters - if I did I wouldn't be writing this at home after a long day at work ;) Reviews are welcome - this is my first story, so be gentle.

*Author's Note about Sage for those who aren't familiar – she can jumpstart people's powers when they lose them or enhance them/bring out latent mutations.*

Hours later, Rogue had checked every powerful mutant and, just as Mystique had warned her, they were all out colder than leftover. Rogue walked back to the foyer just as Sage was walking through the front door. Rogue gave the woman a hug and she reluctantly returned it. "Hiya, Tess. Thanks for comin' so quickly."

"You sounded desperate, Rogue. I know how long you've waited to be rid of your powers – and now you want me to jump start them?" Sage asked tentatively.

"It's a long story, Tess. Ah have to get my powers back… Sinister has the X-Men. He has Remy! Ah don't know how to fight him without my powers. Ah have to get my family back!"

"I understand, Rogue. Of course, I'll help."

Rogue and Mystique left, leaving Jubilee, one of the older students in charge of the students who were conscious. The girl looked worried, but took the responsibility. Mystique led the way to Sinister's lab as Rogue followed behind silently, overwhelmed with fear for her friends, and trying desperately hard not to think about the return of her poisoned skin. She kept her mission in mind and held the tears back as the lab came in sight. As they crept up to the door, Mystique moving swiftly and silently in front of her, with a grace not many could match, Rogue wondered if she could trust this woman whom she once thought of as a mother to hold up her end of the bargain.

Meanwhile…

Jean numbly pulled onto the road that led to the mansion. She had rushed out in a fury the night before and stayed at a dumpy motel to try and clear her thoughts, but she was too responsible to run away for long. She still didn't know whether she wanted to be with Scott or Logan, or if either still wanted to be with her. She snapped out of her thoughts as she pulled roughly up to the garage with the sudden feeling of something out of place. She rushed out of her car and towards the door when she realized that there were at least a quarter of the inhabitants' psyches missing. She bolted through the door and ducked just in time for Jubilee's fireworks to sail overhead.

"OH MY GOD! Dr. Grey! I'm… I'm so sorry!" she cried as she ran into the woman's arms.

"Jubilee! What happened? Where is everyone?"

"Oh my God! Sinister's goons came last night and took a bunch of the X-Men and the powerful ones he didn't take he totally put into like, a COMA or something and Rogue was the only one left 'cuz she didn't have any powers so she called Sage and she gave her her powers back and Mystique was here helping Rogue and they went after everyone who's been taken!" she cried, finally taking a breath.

Jean rubbed her temples, trying to take in all of the information before speaking. "And where did Rogue go? Where did Sinister take the team?"

"Rogue wouldn't tell me. She didn't want us kids going after them."

Jean broke off into a sprint towards Cerebro. "I have to locate them and go help! If anyone comes through that door, just do exactly what you did when I came in!"

Meanwhile…

Mystique hung back by the entrance of the lab to stay unseen as Rogue walked into it. She had walked for what seemed like close to a mile before she turned a corner and found herself face to face with Sabretooth. "Thought I smelled a pretty little frail," he smirked and grabbed her roughly up by her arms. She only minimally struggled, knowing it was no use and figuring the beast was taking her straight to who she came to see – Sinister.