A young woman walked through Times Square, her brown curls bouncing in the breeze, and palms sweating inside her patent leather gloves. Ann Krien's gray eyes darted around, she was afraid of the slightest contact with any other living being, she didn't want to hurt anyone else. She was covered from the nape of her neck to the tips of her toes in the most expensive, and fashionable clothing available. No matter what the weather, Ann would be covered, and afraid of the smallest accident. With her even the smallest brush of a pinky finger could kill, or seriously wound the one who did it.

Ann paused for a minute, staring into the glass of the Toys R Us window at herself, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a New York afternoon. People of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities rushed by in a blur, all similar and bound together by that, except for her; she was always alone. A slender figure clothed in brown, with a creamy silk scarf around her neck, and simple brown boots. She stared up at the clear sky. "Why? Why am I so different?" and she walked on to the corner, where a black Mercedes was waiting for her.

xXx

Ann reached her home, the penthouse of the Taniere, as she entered the high ceilinged, marble floored entryway she was aware of the deathly quiet.

"Marie?" she called out. " Mother? Father?"

"They're not here." A softly southern voice replied.

"Who are you?" Ann's heart rate sped up, as she moved toward the phone on the ivory end table.

"Please wait. I won't hurt you." A slender young woman, much like Ann stepped out from behind the golden horse hair couch, and stood in front of Ann. Rogue pulled off her right glove and moved to touch Ann's bloodless face.

"No! Don't-" Ann stopped in amazement, as Rogue touched her, and nothing happened.

"How-" her gray eyes were wide, and her red lips parted slightly.

" Ann, we have the same power. You can't hurt me, and I can't hurt you." Rogue smiled. "We're not alone anymore."