Disclaimer: I do not own anything belonging to X-Men or Marvel.

Chapter Nine: Feud

"Tell me again why we brought a murderer and rapist to the Mansion," Rogue said to Kevin and Bobby. "What's he going to do at night now that he's gotten used to this routine?"

"Relax," Bobby said. "Hyde will only be out when we need him, for missions and stuff."

"I hope you're right. I mean, we only needed five people and four chains to restrain him in the X-2, it should be no problem keeping him controlled in this big Mansion."

Bobby held Rogue's hands. "Don't worry. Professor can monitor him at all times, and stop him with a single thought. Hopefully this place will help David and Hyde to live normally."

"I still don't trust Hyde," Rogue said. "He could really hurt a lot of people."

"So can a lot of mutants," Bobby said. "That's why he's here in the first place; to learn to control his powers. You caused a lot of damage when you arrived here, remember?"

"I guess you're right."

"Well, it's getting late, Kevin said. "I'm going to call it a night."

"Yeah, me too," Bobby said. "Want me to walk you to your room?"

"No that's okay," Rogue said. "I think I'll walk there myself."

"Wow, she's really pissed," Bobby said once Rogue was out of earshot.

"She'll get over it. She just needs some time to get to know David. I'm sure once she does, she'll be fine."

Kitty couldn't believe it. She was stuck tutoring Evan and Skinner, who did nothing but fool around the entire time. "Guys, if you don't want help, don't waste my time."

"Sorry, love," Skinner said. "We were just having a bit of fun. We're all ears."

"Alright." She picked up her book. "Now, 'if x is the product of y'...Skinner!"

"What?"

"Take the pencils out of your nose. And don't laugh, Evan, you're only encouraging him."

"I can't help it, it was funny," Evan said, trying to contain his laughter.

"I feel like I'm babysitting. Take a five minute break."

Kitty stormed out of the room and went for a soda. She ran into David on her way to the soda machine. "Hey David," she said.

"Hey Kitty," he answered. "What's up?"

"I'm tutoring Dumb and Dumber."

"Skinner and Evan?"

"Exactly. I can't get them to concentrate."

"Well, hang in there."

"I'll try. See you later."

"See you." David watched her go, then continued to walk down the hall. He stared in the windows as he walked, and Hyde stared back.

"She barely even looks at you," Hyde said.

"Come on, Hyde. Leave me alone, I'm not in the mood."

"She'd look at me!" Hyde grabbed David by the throat.

"David, are you alright," Kevin asked as he saw David sweating and breathing heavily.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just a little hot in here."

"Alright then. You need me to show you to your room?"

"No, I think I'm just going to wander around for a while; you know get to know the place. Thanks though."

"No problem." Kevin turned the corner, and David continued his walk.

Soon, he came to a door, and Hyde chimed in again. "That's where she lives, the girl," Hyde said.

"Kitty," David asked.

"No you cretinous asshole, the other one, the one with the white streak in her hair; Rogue."

"So?"

"She hates you, you know. She hates you, she hates me, she hates us. I say we teach her a lesson."

"Hyde, don't…please…."

"No! You need to stop pissing yourself! This is what we have to do, what must be done."

David felt strange. His head began to pound, and his stomach began to churn. "Oh God Hyde, please don't," David begged as he fell to his knees on the floor. He started to sweat profusely. "We have to do it, David. We have to kill the girl."

"No…"

Rogue changed into her pajamas. Maybe the guys were right. After all, when her powers first manifested, she put a boy in the hospital. Not to mention, she almost killed Logan just by touching him, and if it hadn't been for the X-Men, Magneto would have used her to destroy all of Manhattan. Was David really any different?

Suddenly, the door flew from its hinges and crashed through the window on the other side of her room. Hyde burst through the doorway, disintegrating the doorframe. He let out a beastly roar. "Good evening Rogue," Hyde said.

"H-Hyde, you stay back," Rogue said, stepping back.

"Or what?"

"I'll get the Professor."

"Oh really. By all means, get him. I've not yet had the pleasure of spilling his guts."

Rogue concentrated, trying to make contact with Xavier. Professor, she called for him.

Rogue, Xavier's voice came into her head. What's wrong?

It's Hyde; he's in my room, and I think he plans to hurt me, maybe even kill me.

I'll contact the others at once. Hold him back for as long as you can.

"What's going on," Kevin appeared at what was left of the doorway. He had clearly just be woken by the commotion.

"Get out," Hyde roared. He swung a giant fist, and Kevin crashed through the wall behind him. "Play time is over," Hyde said, turning back to Rogue.

Rogue looked behind her and, thinking quickly, jumped from the second story onto the front lawn below. She landed, and rolled onto the grass. Hyde's massive body came crashing next to her.

"Hyde, stop this now," Rogue said.

"And ruin all my fun," Hyde smiled. He grabbed her throat with his ape-like hand and lifted her off the ground. "I'll teach you to fuck with me, you little bitch." Hyde squeezed her throat.

Rogue gasped for air and frantically grabbed at Hyde's fist. Why wasn't him touching her affecting his powers?

Bobby was helping Kevin out onto the front lawn, and Kitty, Evan, and Skinner, who had witnessed the events from the window, rushed out to see what was going on. "Hyde, you must stop this," Xavier said, wheeling onto the front porch.

"Fuck off," Hyde said. He squeezed Rogue's throat harder. Black flashed in front of her eyes; she was beginning to lose consciousness.

Xavier concentrated. David, he thought. David I know you're in there. You can stop this. You have the power to control Hyde.

No I don't, Xavier heard David's voice, very faint.

Yes you can. He is a part of you; he has no more control over you than you arm does. You have to regain control!

I'll try. David concentrated. Hyde…

Not now can't you see I'm busy, Hyde said.

No Hyde, you listen to me.

Hyde's grip on Rogue loosened. She wiggled her way from his hand, and Bobby rushed to her and quickly dragged her away.

Look what you made me do, Hyde told David.

Hyde, you have to listen to me! I control you!

Hyde bent over, holding his head. "No, stop!" He shouted out loud.

You will listen to me! David was now getting more persistent, and the volume of his voice increased. These are my friends now, and you won't hurt them!

"No," Hyde collapsed onto the ground and roared. "Aaaaarrrgghhh!"

His arm shot out, and exploded, exposing a much smaller, skinnier one. Then the other, and both his legs. His torso erupted in smoke, exposing a naked, skinny chest. His massive head exploded, and David's took its place. David struggled to his feet.

He looked around at the others. "What have I done," he said.

"You've taken control," Xavier said. "Hyde is a part of you, and you must learn he has no power over you. Tonight you took a big step in that direction, but I believe we have a lot of work to do."

"I agree." David turned to Rogue. "I don't know where to begin to say I'm sorry. Hyde could have killed you, and it was all my fault."

"Yeah, well, the important thing is, he didn't," Rogue said. "You took control, and I think that was really brave of you."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Now, I think it's rather late, and we should all get some rest," Xavier said.

"Me too," David said. "And thank you all for bringing me here. For the first time in a while, I think I might feel at home." David followed the others in for a long night's sleep.