Rogue sank down into the bathtub with a soft sigh of contentment.She turned let hot, soothing water cascade down over her sweat-cooled skin. From above, she was lightly sprinkled with the steamy substance as she sunk down into the filled tub. Rogue closed her eyes and let the feeling take over her. God, this feels so good. Whoever invented tubs should be as rich as Bill Gates.

With her eyes closed, Rogue could almost imagine that the water was little fingers, poking her with their heat before sliding down and disappearing into the mass of water she lay in. She fought to keep up the illusion in her mind. They're lihke little fingers. Rogue thought, striving to imagine another's touch without her absorption. Just pokin' and proddin' at meh, slinkin' down mah skin. She heaved a deep sigh as she sunk lower into the hot bath.

Ah wish life could be this simple. Jus' sittin' down and relaxin' as someone rubs mah back and arms soothingly—oh, it feels lihke heaven.

Remy would like t' be de one t' rub y' chere. Remy's voice intruded in upon her thoughts, but his presence wasn't an unwelcome one. Still, his words made her color softly as her mind immediately incorporated him into her relaxing fantasy, him being the one to massage her back and shoulders, him soothing her comfortingly as she cudddled into his warmth. Mmm.

Ah want ta find ya again, Remy. Ah miss ya.

Remy smiled gently. Y' jus' wait, Roguey, Remy bets that he's already on his way over here, lookin' t' save y' from all dis mess.

Still with her eyes closed, Rogue held up a hand and telepathically turned the spigot off before her hand lazily dropped back into the water. Ah wish everythin' was that simple. Rogue sighed. Ah can't leave here till Ah'm all done bein' the muscle, ya know…

Y' always have a choice, Roguey. Y' could leave an' hide from dem all. Jus' absorb someone wit' cloakin' abilities. Y' can run away from it all. I'll go with y', even. Dey'll find somebody else after a time. Dis isn't y' fight.

It is now. Rogue relaxed her head back against the side of the tub. It's right fohr meh ta stay here, Rems, Ah can't run from this. This…it's the professor's dream and these tyrants are screwin' it all up.

But is it y' dream?

Mah dreams will have ta go on hold fohr a little bit. Rogue sighed deeply again. Ah cahn stand ta wait. It's been nearly four years since Ah've touched anyone without suckin' 'em dry. A couple of months or so more won't kill meh. Rogue hesitated. Remy…do ya think you…the other you, Ah mean. Do ya think he'll want ta be with meh after this is all done? Rogue's voice was tentative, small and frightful. She was unconsciously biting her lip. Ah've seen all the girls that you've been with an' Ah know that you don't really stay steady with any girls…except Belladonna that once, but…ya know what Ah mean? Ya aren't known for ya consistency an'…well, it's lihke Ah've had a closer relationship with ya in mah head, almost more than the real you.

Roguey, it's true dat Remy's known a lot of filles, but y' one o' de only ones dat Remy could call a 'friend' first before dat. I always t'ought y' were beautiful, Rogue, even when we first met, but a real relationship's built off de sharin' an' comfort between two people. De way we talk t'gehter in y' mind, like. Y' jus' got t' tell Remy how y' really feel for him, chere. Y' two never got t' have dat talk before y' were sucked int' alla dis.

Ya don't think you'll—he'll jus' dismiss meh after it all? Rogue asked fearfully. What if he gets bored an' doesn't want t' stay with meh? If Ah'm jus' a 'challenge' attraction?

Den 'm a fool, Rogue. It won' happen. Remy cares about y'—I care about y'. If I didn't, I wouldn't'a gone t' save y' when y' ran off t' Magneto's. Remy gave her his trademark grin. Trus' me, I know how dis t'ief dinks an' I wouldn't have come runnin' after y' like dat jus' for a paycheck or a challenge interest. Remy likes y', y' jus' gotta show him dat y' like him too.

Thanks, Remy. Rogue almost wanted to cry, she was so grateful for Remy-in-her-head. She didn't know how she'd be getting through this ordeal without him. He'd been a rock for her all this time.

Remy lightly started humming a deep Louisiana song from the south and Rogue felt herself drifting unceremoniously into a hazy state. It wasn't long after that she fell into a light slumber, dreaming of foreign voices clashing and rasping. It was not an easy sleep.

----

Tessa stepped out of the shower with a towel held up high to her hair as she rung out the excess water. She took the time to dry and straighten her hair, knowing that Shaw was fond most of it when it was down and he could touch its soft texture. Tessa got dressed quickly before exiting the bathroom. She shut the door of her shared bedroom closed and turned around to make her way to the dining hall, where she'd be meeting up again with Rogue for lunch.

Her progress was halted as Tessa turned around and came face to face with Sebastian himself. She jolted back in fright, momentarily alarmed, before relaxing back down with a hand over her heart. "You scared me."

Sebastian smiled softly. "My apologies, Tessa." He took her hand from her chest and cradled it in his own. "Would you like to go on a walk with me?" He asked her kindly.

Tessa knew the question was just for pretense. Even if she refused, which she wouldn't because that'd look suspicious, Shaw would still take a walk with her. There go lunch plans. She sent out a little telepathic message to Rogue. I won't be able to make it to lunch. I'm sorry. Tessa nodded to Shaw, smiling coyly. "Where would you like for us to go?"

"You choose, this time."

Tessa nodded and moved closer to pull him into her arms. Hugging him tightly to her chest, Tessa teleported away.

They appeared back into existence with a loud whip-crack. Shaw pulled away from Tessa and let his hand fall back into her palm as he observed their surroundings. "Greece again?" He questioned, taking in the serene, empty beach that Tessa had teleported them on. "You favor this country?"

Tessa nodded. "It's calm…peaceful."

Shaw smiled at her softly as he led to her a protruding rock for them to sit on and watch the waves. "I hope we can make this peaceful life come to us in America, too." He sat down and scooted over for her to sit next to him. "The quiet life does bring up happy illusions."

Tessa breathed in softly before resting her head on Shaw's shoulder as she stared out at the waves, mesmerized by their consistent push. Shaw adjusted on his rock to let her rest more comfortably before he turned out to the water too. "How has training been going?"

"Good." Tessa answered simply. "I think we're going to set a pace of about twelve mutants a day."

"Not more?" Shaw pushed. "Surely she could take in almost double that number."

Tessa didn't show any signs of her discomfort with the idea. "I don't want to push her too hard." Tessa explained. "She's new to all this and I don't want to frighten her by pushing in too many absorptions at once…" she knew Shaw wouldn't altogether be pleased with the answer, so she went on. "Besides, escalating so many abilities so quickly wears me down. I don't think I could handle giving her more per day."

Shaw's tone softened. "Have the headaches returned?"

Tessa closed her eyes, letting the breeze give her all the comfort she needed. Shaw's hand on her own started stroking her fingers to soothe her. "They're not so bad." Tessa confessed, trying to make less of the pain that throbbed through her every time she helped Rogue learn control. "They just make me so tired."

Shaw was torn. He wanted to speed the process of Rogue's absorptions so that he could rush his plans, but his wife was in pain from them, it was clear. There was only so much she could do and offer. "Perhaps you should limit the number more." Shaw suggested. "Even five a day would work. It'd just make our goals take a little longer."

Tessa was relieved that he would even suggest it. She knew how goal-driven Shaw was. The fact that he was mentioning slowing down at all showed just how much he did love and care for her. "Maybe I will."

Shaw ran a hand through Tessa's hair. "You're beautiful," he complimented out of the blue, still running his hand through her silky hair.

Tessa felt as if a knife were running her through. "Thank you." She responded softly. She hated it when he did this. Nobody saw the person behind Shaw; he was a power hungry tyrant who held himself up in self interest, true, but he also was a human man. Nobody knew the compassionate side of Shaw. They just saw the ruthless warrior who fought for control of his life. Shaw could be heartless and he was cruel as cold stone, she knew, and she liked seeing that part of him more. When he was like this, a sweet, caring, husbandly figure, it grated on her conviction to see the demise of this man.

It had started back a long time ago, beginning when Tessa had first started getting involved with him. Shaw hid his monstrous side from her and was only gentle in her presence. It was one of the first things Tessa had used to take advantage of him. He thought of her as ignorant to his inner workings and dirty deeds and Tessa used that to portray herself as an innocent little lamb. Shaw had taken to the fire and collected her up, claiming her as his own.

After the marriage, Tessa began to feel the first strings of regret. She had loved her fiancé and wanted to see him avenged, yes, but the working from the inside started to feel wrong. Like she had come in too close to Shaw and was using him shamelessly, the same way that he blindly tried to hide his darker side from her. Instead of mentally congratulating herself when Shaw was sweet and kind to her, Tessa felt empty and hollow. There was no more satisfaction for her where this man was concerned. Instead of feeling triumphant and victorious over her trickery with him, she felt like a sly, dirty deceptionist, come to cowardly lull him into a safe feeling.

The feeling that she had conquered this tyrant had brought her satisfaction at first. She had been proud to trick him, to claim her own vengeance for her fiancé's death. She felt that no more. Her anger had faded as time went on; she was still heartbroken over her loss, but the rage at the injustice in it all had dispersed. Without the rage, she lost the drive and satisfaction. She felt awful every time he was nice to her and the pain piercing her heart only strengthened with each passing moment.

She didn't want to see the human side of Shaw. She hadn't thought about it when she got into the marriage; she hadn't thought that her anger would fade to resignation or that Shaw would be extra careful with her, showing her only a kind, gentle man. Taking advantage of him, even though she knew it was right in the end because all the wrong he did had to be stopped, it felt wrong. Tessa knew the way she'd taken was the wrong path to choose. She didn't have the fire in her spirit that she once had. Instead, she'd been carved out and emptied. This past year had been torturous to her as she got caught in her own web, waiting to find some way to crawl out. That had finally come with Rogue.

The girl had no idea how much she really meant to Tessa. Tessa wanted to be her friend, yes, and she knew she owed it to Rogue to at least do that much for her. Rogue was going to bring her out of this hell, out of the Mutant Champions system that had sucked her in. Tessa was sorry that Rogue had to be involved at all—she reminded her a lot of herself, really. Young and innocent, getting caught up in a web that was so much bigger than her that she couldn't even contemplate what she was getting into. Tessa vowed to herself silently on the first day that she'd do everything in her power to bring up the fiery passion in Rogue that had once been alive in her.

Going through everything was so much easier when you had hatred on your side. So Tessa had told Rogue about her previous fiancé and told her not to hate, but she really was vying for the opposite effect. Rogue had reached out for the bait and took it like a hungry little fish. She had already started to despise the Mutant Champions. The rage would work well in her favor, Tessa knew.

Now that Rogue was here, an end to this all was in sight. Tessa evoked the hate in Rogue because she didn't believe Rogue would be involved for so long that the hate would have a chance to fade. No, now that Rogue was here, everything was moving quickly. Tessa only needed to teach the girl and let her become all-powerful before she made her move with Betsy. Then it would be all over. Over. Tessa mused. It was something she hadn't allowed herself to think of as she struggled through the months, fighting to cling to her hate and passion for the work they were doing. But now an end is in sight. She yearned for nothing more. She wanted this to be over, needed it to end before it consumed her soul entirely. I just want to live my life.

"Tell me more about your sessions." Shaw commanded, still trailing his hand through her hair. Tessa liked it when he didn't ask. It just made it that much easier to see him as a tyrant, rather than the human side he hid within himself.

So Tessa told him. She explained to them all about how Rogue's control was coming on and all that she was teaching Rogue. She left out a few specific parts that Shaw really didn't need to hear about, but conveyed all her concerns about Rogue's absorption of so many people and the effect it would surely have on her mind. Tessa was the one who helped directly channel the floor of emotions and personality into a psyche so that Rogue wouldn't have to worry. She knew how Rogue's powers worked and she knew the effect the psyches had on Rogue's mind. She, more than anybody else, knew what could happen if Rogue took on too many personalities.

"You're concerned for her?" Shaw asked speculatively, hearing the worry in her voice as she spoke about the many absorptions Rogue was going through.

Tessa nodded softly, playing the innocent lamb flawlessly. "She's taking in so many different people, I know just how her mutation works. Taking in all of these different people isn't healthy for her. She could lose herself in a sea of other's thoughts and desires." Not to mention how much harder it could be to use her for my freedom if she gets caught up in the desires of Mutant Champion members. Tessa almost flinched visibly at the thought.

She hated the fact that she was using Rogue to get away, but she really didn't see any way around it. Rogue was involved in this and she wasn't getting out either way. Was it so bad that she wanted to get out at the price of Rogue's innocence? Yes. God, I'm such a horrible person. Tessa loathed the mole she'd become, working around everybody to succeed in her own drives and ends. First I used Shaw for vengeance, now I'm using a girl who shouldn't have ever gotten involved here to help me get out. I deserve to be here, miserable and married to this dictator. Tessa's heart thumped heavily in her chest. She'd gotten into this so much…Rogue might be her only way out. I'm a deceiver.

"Aren't you helping her by maintaining her shields?" Shaw asked cautiously.

"Yes, but I don't know if that's going to be enough. Her mind is such a muddled mess, I don't know if my shields and her own will be able to hold out the flood when she's taking in so many new people a day."

Perfect. Exactly how I need it. Tessa's eyes flashed open at the words that echoed throughout her mind. Luckily, Shaw was resting with his head on top of hers as he cradled her against his chest, so he didn't see her eyes pop open at his stray thought. Tessa's jaw tightened in fright and she closed her eyes again as Shaw rested a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure she'll be okay." Shaw soothed. "I can ask another telepath to reinforce your shields, if you think it'd help."

Tessa only just caught herself before shouting out a protest to that. Instead, she waited a moment and shook her head. "No, it wouldn't help. I'll do fine, I just have to reinforce them a bit more."

Shaw nodded. "Promise me you'll tell me if this is becoming too much for you. I can find someone else to help her if it's hurting you too much."

"I will." Tessa lied, only adding to her list of regrets and sins.

Shaw kissed the top of her head lightly. "I love you, Tessa."

Another spike of pain ran through Tessa's heart as her soul stained a deeper black. She had to physically fight the urge to cry at his words.

----

She's secretly plotting against us.

What do you mean?

Look, I'll show you. Images of her deception passed before her mind's eye. Her conversations with Tessa and her plotting to take down the Mutant Champions all flashed rapidly behind closed lids.

The savior's working against us? Another voice asked. It was Izzy. She sounded mystified.

Of course she's working against us. Zip criticized harshly. Shaw doesn't really intend for HER to lead us.

But I thought she was gunna save us? The young girl Energizer piped up. She made a deal—I healed her friend!

Here, you lunks. Ziggy instructed them how to see and know everything in Rogue's mind. All Rogue's past experiences and life flashed through the eyes of her psyches and everyone hunkered back in understanding. You can see everything in everyone's mind. You just have to focus and look.

There was a long pause as everyone new digested this and focused on the minds around them. It only took a moment for everybody else to understand everything that every other psyche knew. Knowledge became one as the new psyches all took in the knowledge from one another.

The Mutant Champions have killed people! Christine called out in horror.

Of course they have. Circuit reprimanded. How the hell else do you think an organization like this would survive and take control over humanity? There are always casualties in war.

I never agreed to be a part of this! Diora cried out. The Mutant Champions are supposed to be a nonviolent mutant activist group! They-

Are involved in theft, violence, hostage taking, kidnapping, deception, trickery. Electro finished. No shit. That's how work gets done.

But—Argus' eyes were wide with shock. Rogue isn't here to save us?

No, dumbass. Dash answered snidely. She's just a pawn like the rest of us. Shaw's the only king on this chessboard, we're all else just supposed to be used.

It's not like it matters. Cantor argued. We're all still going to get our goal in the end. We're working for Mutant Supremacy right? Well, Shaw's gunna give it to us. Who cares if he gets to be ruler afterwards? He deserves it.

That's not what I signed up for. Flip argued. I thought we were working towards peace between us, not war!

You're an idiot, then. Dash shook his head. There's no 'peaceful' between mutants and humanity. They will always hate us. Look at history—we still have prejudice fools out there. This is the only way that it could work.

Who really cares whose side she's on? She's a babe! Are any of you guys focusing on the memories the same way I am? Scarr was flipping through some of Rogue's more private memories.

Hey, leave the kid alone. Sor rebuked Scarr's actions. Don't violate her like that. Come on, she's just a kid.

Scarr ignored him entirely.

She's a betrayer to the cause! Zip bit off. Let him do what he wants, she deserves it.

This girl is far from innocent. Electro pointed out. I doubt a little mind-prodding from Boner Boy is going to affect her.

Hey! Eyes blazing with red fire and lit up in fury, Remy walked into the Danger Room where all the mutants had converged together. Y' better ret'ink de way y' botherin' Remy's fille.

Logan was behind him and his eyes were slits. Closely following him was Mystique and Erik, both who wore similar, grave faces. I'm gunna carve your face a new one if ya keep thinkin' about it, Scarr.

Scarr jolted out his mental reprieve to see the angered father creeping towards him, two sets of foot long claws protruding from his knuckles. Daddy's home.

Dash snickered. Here come her troop of protectors. Trying to save your little daughter from getting her feelings hurt? Go on, come and try to catch me.

Whoa! Stop! Cantor glanced around at both sets of enraged mutants. Let's all just calm down, alright?

What, are you siding with them now? Ziggy stared down Cantor harshly.

Nobody's taking sides here. Sor stepped in to speak for Cantor, holding up his arms between the two. We don't need to get into a fight about this.

Oh really? Zip asked nastily, glaring at Sor and Cantor. Actually, I think that's the only way we're going to settle this. Seems to me like people are already taking sides. He shot Sor an especially dirty look. Yours is blatantly obvious, traitor.

Guys. Izzy interjected, desperately trying to reach everyone. There's easier ways to get through this. It's just…all these new revelations are putting us on edge.

Speak for yourself. Dash spat nastily. I always knew what the Mutant Champions were really about. That's why idiots like you all don't get promoted to the 'Elite'

The Elite's just a cover up for those who really know what this groups about. Diora realized.

We've all been unwittingly working for a ruthless tyrant! Flip exclaimed.

I don't understand. Energizer was ready to cry. Why would Mr. Shaw threaten the savior like that and hold her sister hostage?

He has to control her somehow, doesn't he? Ziggy turned and blanched at Energizer. Why the fuck would he even let you in? A little kid?

Because he's heartless and he'll use anybody. Cantor had gained some of his confidence back.

I can't believe that Lady Tessa or Lady Rogue would plot against us like this…Argus lamented sadly. Why?

Dash shook his head. What a moron.

Christine shot Dash a dark look. Energizer, hunny, come with me. She grabbed the little girl's hand and started for the exit.

Where are we going? Energizer asked innocently.

We can play in one of the mansion's rooms together. Christine spoke gently, leading the little girl away. She shot one last look at the group behind her before slipping out with the young child.

We'll it's clear that there's two sides to this fight. Cantor spoke again.

Thanks, Sherlock. Zip shot back nastily.

You bastards will keep your distance. Logan ordered, glaring at Zip, Ziggy, Dash and Circuit.

What're you gunna do about it, hotshot? Dash challenged, unafraid by Logan's claws. He knew he could outrun the mutant.

Erik snapped his fingers and the metal flooring around Dash's feet leapt up and curved around his ankles, locking him in place. I suggest NOT making challenges that you will lose.

Everybody who jus' found out de true colors of de Mutant Champions an' are appalled, y' free t' come with us. Remy welcomed. As for de rest o' y', don' 'cause trouble, ot'erwise y' be facin' all o' us.

Zip grabbed Dash's shoulder and teleported him a few feet to his left. Over half the mutants walked over to the other side of the gym, allying themselves against the Mutant Champion Elites. Sor was the first one to cross over, followed closely by Izzy and Flip. Diora hesitated for a moment in indecision before she ran over to catch up with Cantor. Scarr glanced between the two groups before staying put on Dash's side.

Ziggy gave them all withering looks. You're fools, the whole lot of you. The fight is inevitable and Rogue—or rather, her powers—are key. You cannot stop this.

We'll see about that, Bub. He stepped forward threateningly, but Zip latched on to Circuit, Scarr, Electro, and Ziggy and disappeared in a flash. Dash glanced around, realized he was alone, and ran so fast that all anybody saw was a blur of color as he, too, disappeared from the room. Argus was the only one left who hadn't picked a side. He glanced at Remy's people with a sense of despair in his eyes and fell to his knees, dramatically dropping his head into his hands. Logan retracted his claws and turned around to the group of newcomers. Remy was already talking to the group.

So jus' mind y' own business, go about whatever y' want t', an' try not t' get int' fights wit' dose ot'er guys. It's like y' live a mini-life in here. Y' be fine s'long as y' stay away from dose troublemakers.

Logan grunted.

----

Come on Ziggy urged his companions. I saw it in that Logan's thoughts. They're keeping two others here all locked up that would help us. One used to work under Magneto—a fire starter mutant. Rogue absorbed him when he was frying some humans and enraged—he's for the cause.

And the other? Zip asked.

The other hates Rogue. Ziggy answered simply. Circuit, Scarr, and Zip both nodded.

I'm going to meet the Pyro. Electro nodded at them. Meet me there when you're done with the other. He walked off without another word.

Ziggy conveyed the location to Zip in his mind and Zip again latched onto Circuit and Ziggy. He waited a moment for Dash to show up. He did only moments later and nodded, already knowing what they had talked about. He grabbed Circuit's shoulder and the four of them disappeared with a blinding flash.

They reappeared in a dank jail cell. There was a girl standing outside of the cell, she was talking to the inmate with a strained tone that conveyed her distress. Secon, I—she blanched at the appearance of the new mutants. Her surprised face suddenly turned to one of fear. No! Don't come any closer! Leave him alone.

Scarr stepped forward with a wide grin. Check out the shela. She's a strong one, she is. I can already tell. He looked her up and down as his eyes roamed her body.

Carol stepped back against the cell in horror, pushing her back up against the bars. Stop! I'm serious, stay away.

Secon stepped up to the bars. What's goin' on, Carol?

Scarr licked his lips.

Whoa, hey! Stay back, ya dirty mutant!

Scarr leapt forward and tackled Carol. The two started rough-housing as Carol toppled to the ground and fell on her back. I like a girl that puts up a fight. Scarr blocked her as she fought to punch him and grabbed her fists in his hands, struggling to hold her down. Damn girl, you've got the muscles.

Let me go! Carol struggled against Scarr, horrified that his strength matched her own.

Dash stepped up to the cage and looked Secon up and down. He's just a measly human.

Secon reached through the bars and grabbed Dash's shirt, dragging him forward and slamming him against the bars. Let her go, you dirty mutant!

Dash laughed and smacked Secon so hard and fast at the temple that he dropped like a rock, unconscious. He won't be of any use to us. Just leave him there.

No, Ziggy agreed. He won't. But she will.

Zip glanced over at Scarr, who had the frantic Carol Danvers pinned against the ground underneath him. He was leering over her face victoriously as she squirmed and fought to escape him. Zip could see that Scarr was going through her memories and searching out the ones that he liked best. Okay pervert. Zip tapped Scarr on the shoulder. Knock it off. You can assault her all you want later. Knock her out already.

She's damn near invulnerable. Scarr protested, his eyes still flicking with memories.

Carol struggled beneath him. No! Get outa my head! Let me go! She had tears in her eyes.

I've got it. Ziggy stepped up beside Carol and her eyes widened in fright as she realized what he was about to do. Ziggy held a hand over her face and closed his eyes, manipulating the water molecules and spit in her throat to congeal and block off her airway. Carol choked as she fought to swallow the water mass that had build up in her airway. Eyes wide, Carol kicked and struggled, but Scarr held her firm. Her struggles weakened and she passed out moments later. Ziggy released his hold and her body worked to correct the damage.

Circuit. He called.

Circuit was already bending over and touched her forehead gently. Carol's relaxed form stiffened outward until all her limbs were rock solid, stuck in place. Scarr grinned and picked up her paralyzed body. This one turns me on even more than Rogue.

Okay, Hormonal Boy, let's go. It's time to collect up the Pyro.

They all latched onto each other and disappeared with a flash, leaving an unconscious human on the floor of the cell behind them.