Disclaimer: Not mine.

47-Invincible

Two weeks. It had been two weeks since Rogue had developed her headache. Two miserable weeks. Rogue wasn't sure how the others were managing her. She was snappish, tired, and inclined to get angry over little things, like spilt milk. Rogue wasn't even sure how she had managed to live with herself. Every time Moira asked her what was wrong Rogue told her to back off. She didn't feel up to being coddled anymore than she already was.

Kurt followed her around whenever she ventured outside; Kitty kept roping her into cooking with her; Bobby was constantly trying to spend more time with her, which she didn't mind, except when Carol shot her a dirty look; Logan watched her like a hawk, not even bothering to let her in the Danger Room anymore now that she tired after walking from her bed to her bathroom these days; and Ororo tried to get her to help out in the greenhouse. All in all, Rogue felt smothered, and it was getting to her.

So now here she was, seven o'clock at night, sitting in her window seat staring out at the night sky. Rogue wasn't particularly tired, but she was too tired to move her body to the bed, let alone out the door and down into the living room where everyone else was gathered watching some movie.

With a resigned sigh Rogue finally made herself get onto her feet and moved over to her dresser in search of her pajamas. As she opened a dresser drawer a soft sound caught her ears. Pausing, Rogue listened carefully. Once more she heard the sound. It was as though someone were outside on the balcony.

Taking a deep breath, Rogue felt something inside her stir. A smile formed on her face…danger always seemed to give her a second wind. As softly as she could, Rogue made her way across the room and to the doors leading out onto the balcony. Second instinct told her the person was ready for her. With a slow smile Rogue studied the silhouette on the other side of the curtains. Whoever it was, was small and unafraid.

Relaxing, Rogue placed her hands on the doorknobs, and took one last breath before flinging the doors open. A petite figure tackled Rogue to the ground, but Rogue easily used her feet to toss her attacker off of her. Rogue scrambled to her feet and studied her opponent who was doing the same thing.

Rogue's attacker was a petite girl with long brown hair and dark brown eyes. She had an unforgiving look in her eyes, and was dressed all in black. There was something familiar about the girl that Rogue couldn't quite determine.

Until two claws popped out of the girl's knuckles, with two more popping out of the girl's feet.

Rogue ground her teeth together, assessing her situation. Sure she had her strength back, but not all of it. There was no way in hell Rogue could defeat the girl in front of her without using her powers. She had a dark feeling that the only one who would be able to fight this girl would be Logan, who was downstairs listening to a big screen T.V. turned up as loud as it could go.

"Alright, kid, let's see whatcha got," murmured Rogue. Somehow she had to get the girl close enough for Logan to hear her.

"Nighty night," said the girl. With a wicked smile on her face she charged at Rogue, her clawed fists coming dangerously close to slashing Rogue had the southerner not ducked and rolled. Jumping onto her feet Rogue ran into the hallway, skidding on the rug as the girl took chase. Rogue reached the banister only to be pulled backwards and slammed into the wall. Rogue ducked another blow from the girl, cursing the younger recruits for wanting to listen to the T.V. so loud. She could hear the damn movie from here.

Rogue tried to punch the girl in the gut, but the girl quickly did a back flip, making Rogue swing her fist in empty air. Narrowing her eyes Rogue advanced forward a step, meeting the girl's powerful punch with her arm. Pain shot up Rogue's forearm, making her curse Logan for keeping her out of the Danger Room. She was seriously out of practice. Rogue made a face as the girl grabbed Rogue's arm and twisted it behind her back slamming her forward into the banister.

The itch started again. Rogue could feel her powers—along with the ones she had borrowed—swarming inside of her, wanting to be set free. Rogue bit down on her tongue as beads of sweat formed on her forehead. She couldn't let go—not now, not yet.

Before Rogue could reign in her tortured mind she felt herself go flying over the banister and to the ground below. She hit the floor hard, crying out in pain as the group in the living room noticed her.

"Rogue?" asked Bobby quizzically. "What happened?"

Inside, Rogue felt part of her snap. She rolled over and pushed herself back to her feet, breathing raggedly. "That's it…now Ah'm pissed. Ah'm gonna kill her!"

"Kill who?" demanded Logan as he and Ororo came out of the living room followed closely by Moira. "What the hell is going on?"

Rogue didn't reply. Her eyes were cast upwards, searching for the girl. A shadow flickered momentarily and then the girl was jumping down from the second floor. She landed in front of Rogue, surprising the rest of the group.

"Jesus Christ," muttered Logan as he saw the amount of claws pop out of the girl's hands and feet. "Who the hell is she?"

"Dead!" cried out Rogue hurtling herself at the small girl. The girl dodged her first punch and roundhouse kick, but Rogue also maneuvered out of reach of the girl's claws. Logan's own claws popped out of his knuckles, distracting the girl, but that's all Rogue needed. Rogue grabbed the girl's arm and flipped her over, nodding in satisfaction as the girl hit the ground hard.

The girl jumped to her feet, glancing between the furious Rogue and Logan. "I am X-23 of Hydra. I have been looking for you, the Wolverine. It's your fault I am this way—and I will have my revenge!"

Rogue snorted. "That's rich…it's not like we don't have a lot of revenge seekin' freaks walkin' 'round town anyway."

"This isn't a game, Rogue," snarled Logan. He turned back to X-23. "If you are who you say you are then why come all this way to kill me, huh? I bet you could do a lot of damage to the assholes who made you!"

"You made me! I was made from you! They call you my father…well I want nothing to do with you or Hydra!" shouted X-23 darkly.

Rogue was taken back. Father? Logan was this girl's father? That wasn't possible, was it? Just as suddenly as her anger started, Rogue began to feel it subside. She wobbled backwards, barely noticing as Bobby caught her in his arms. Around her Rogue could barely sense the fight going on between Logan and X-23.

Taking several deep breaths Rogue steadied herself in time to see Logan pin X-23 to the ground, paralyzing the girl. Moira quickly intervened with a shot ready in her hand, from where Rogue had no idea. She watched with interest as X-23's body went limp, yet the girl was still awake.

Moira glanced down at Rogue with a pained expression on her face. "Alright, bring both X-23 and Rogue down to the infirmary. I want answers from X-23, and I want to be sure nothing is broken in Rogue."

The Infirmary:

"For the last time, Ah'm fine," said Rogue as Moira took yet another blood test.

"Are you certain that there's nothing else going on inside of you that I should know about? Rogue, I need you to be honest with me," replied Moira crossing her arms.

Rogue rolled her eyes. "If there was anythin' wrong with meh Ah'd tell ya, doc. But there ain't. Ah'm in perfect health." To prove her point Rogue got out of the bed and onto her feet. The truth was she felt like crap—her mind felt disconnected, and empty like. But Rogue didn't want to talk about it. More than anything it was probably nothing serious.

"You had better be telling me the truth, young lady, or I'm going to have you confined to this bed for the next three months if I find out otherwise, you understand?"

Rogue nodded and gave Moira a bright smile as she headed for the doorway. She paused as Logan rushed in, but the gruff X-Man was headed straight towards the doctor who was checking on a sleeping X-23. Rogue's face fell as Logan started asking about his "daughter". With a deep frown Rogue slipped out of the infirmary, but kept close to eavesdrop.

"Do you know anything about her?" asked Logan.

"She sometimes goes by the name Laura Kinney. She's been involved in Hydra since she was born…but other than that I really don't know much. She's been told that she's your daughter, and frankly, every test I've run confirms it. At the same time, however, she could just as well be your sister. She's almost an exact clone of you, Logan. Her entire skeleton is not fused of adamantium…she says she left before they could conduct anymore tests on her."

"Does she still want to kill me?"

"Possibly. She's being a surly teen at the moment—she's only sixteen. She's angry, but I've convinced her that we'd help her track down the ones who did this to her."

Logan let out a breath of air. "So she's really my kid?"

"It would be more plausible for her to be your daughter considering her age, yes," answered Moira slowly.

"I can't be a father. I'm no good with kids…teens…girls. I don't know the first thing about raising kids. I…I don't need the responsibility. I don't like being responsible for no one by myself, you know?" Logan sighed as he ran a hand over his face wearily, trying to form his next words carefully. By the time he spoke however, Rogue was long gone.

"I have my hands full with Rogue. She needs me…I…she needs me."

Moira nodded. "Logan, have you talked to Rogue recently?"

"No, why?"

"You need to talk to her. Find her and tell her I said enough is enough. There's something she needs to tell you…and I can't be the one to tell you what it is. Only Rogue can do that."

Logan eyed Moira carefully, sensing the importance of her words. "What about her…Laura?"

Moira frowned as she turned back to the sleeping girl. "She needs a lot of therapy, but I think given some time she will be just another teenage girl. She hasn't had a lot of…social skills, but I think it's safe to say we can work on those."

"Why'd she attack Rogue?"

"The wrong place at the wrong time. Laura was breaking in to find you…she simply came across Rogue instead. Now, go find Rogue and talk to her. I mean it."

"Okay." Logan nodded sharply and took off out of the infirmary. Moira watched him go with a sad shake of her head before glancing back down at Laura whose eyes were now open. Moira didn't seem the least bit surprised.

"This Rogue is his daughter," stated Laura simply. "I could smell it."

"She is."

"Does that make her my…sister?"

"It's complicated."

Laura snorted. "You people are all complicated. This is why I wanted to kill my father. I don't like attachments."

Moira raised an eyebrow precariously. "Well, as long as you're under my roof I will be keeping you indisposed until you learn your manners."

Meanwhile:

Rogue paced back and forth in the elevator as it made its way up to the ground floor. Logan didn't her. He didn't even know she was his daughter, but he had made it pretty clear he didn't want any kids. Rogue wasn't sure what to do about this. She was hurt, angry, and confused.

All her life she had wanted a happy little family. Once upon a time she had had Jack and Lena. She had wanted siblings, and one day Lena discovered she was pregnant. Then Rogue had become a freak of nature. Along the way she discovered Mystique, her birth mother and a terrorist. Rogue had been betrayed by her. Then she had discovered a younger brother, Kurt. He had been the reason Mystique wanted nothing to do with her for so long. Then Rogue learned the truth about her father after months of pining away at just knowing his name. Logan was her birth father…and he didn't even know it. Rogue hadn't even gotten a chance to talk to Logan before discovering that she had another brother, an older one, Graydon Creed—an evil human. Now Rogue had a sister…of sorts.

From being so alone for so long, Rogue was starting to despise the family she had been born into. She didn't know why she had wanted to find any of them in the first place. All they brought was heartache and pain…and betrayal.

With tears in her eyes Rogue made her way out of the elevator the moment it opened up into the foyer. She headed towards the backyard. She knew Bobby would be out there…all the mutants were after the big fight between Logan and Laura. The Professor had suggested some night tag or something of the sorts to entertain themselves.

Rogue pushed open the back door and stepped onto the back porch, her eyes searching Bobby out. On the far ends of the yard she spotted him…with Carol. Kissing Carol.

Rogue swallowed a lump in her throat, her tears frozen on her cheeks. Time seemed to freeze, the shouts and laughter of her fellow housemates faded into the background as Rogue stared at Bobby and Carol. Her mouth opened slightly, a scream working its way up her throat.

In her mind a memory of Lance and Kitty kissing floated to the surface. Betrayed again. Betrayed for the enemy. Betrayed…betrayed…betrayed…betrayed…

Rogue felt a stirring inside her mind. The headache was gone. Her mind felt free of all thoughts…of all emotions…of everything. Rogue felt as though she no longer had a heart.

She had been betrayed too many times before. Abandoned at birth; disowned by her adopted parents; turned over to death by her birth mother; cheated on by a boyfriend; short changed by her boss; hated by her brother; feared by her peers; her friends had become her enemies; her father didn't want her; and now the one person who kept claiming he was there for her…wasn't.

Lies. They had all been lies. Rogue had only ever been lied to her entire life. That last thought made Rogue snap.

Liar. Carol was a liar. In the recesses of her mind she could hear Caliban talking about Carol working for the enemy. The Hellions. The Hellfire Club. Sinister. Phoenix. It was a never ending circle to Rogue.

Rogue hardened her eyes and headed straight towards Carol. No one made a fool of her—least of all a conniving little bitch like this Carol Danvers girl. Rogue was going to teach her a lesson.

Bobby broke away from Carol in a panic as he saw Rogue approaching out of the corner of his eye. He was so screwed. Carol frowned at him and turned to see what had caught his attention. A sly smile made its way onto her face as she saw Rogue. The southern belle was pissed.

"Rogue," started Bobby hurriedly, "I can explain."

Rogue didn't even acknowledge Bobby as she thrust her fist into Carol's face. The blonde stumbled backwards in complete surprise. Carol brought a hand to her lip, fingering the cut tenderly, removing her hair from her mouth.

"You little—"

"Don't you little meh," seethed Rogue. "Ah'm gonna kick your ass all the way ta tomorrow."

Carol made a face and launched her own fist in Rogue's direction. Rogue easily dodged it, hitting Carol in the back of the neck. The blonde swirled around in anger, her hand shooting out to grasp Rogue's throat. Rogue choked with lack of air, her gloved hands trying to unwrap Carol's grip, but the blonde seemed made of steel. Rogue couldn't match her strength.

"Carol, let her go!" cried out Bobby, but Carol pushed him to the ground. Her eyes focused back on Rogue. Both girls could feel Rogue's powers kicking in, but Carol only tightened her grip on Rogue's throat. Rogue growled low in her throat, letting go of Carol's arm. Instead she pulled off her gloves and placed them around the blonde girl's throat, cutting off Carol's air supply.

"Stop it!" cried out Bobby, his hands icing over. Behind him he could sense the other X-Men running his way to see what the commotion was about.

Rogue gasped for air, seeing black dots in front of her eyes. She was going to lose this battle. She knew it. Feeling the darkness edging in Rogue finally let her barriers down.

Her powers flooded out like the speed of light. Gold etchings made their way up and down the body of Carol and into Rogue. Carol's eyes widened at the magnitude of Rogue's powers, struggling to keep her hand around Rogue's throat, intent on killing the brunette even if it meant killing herself in the process. That had been her mission. Infiltrate the X-Men and kill the one called Rogue.

But Carol was no match for Rogue.

Rogue could feel the powers flowing inside of her. She could see into Carol's mind. She could hear her innermost thoughts. She could feel the hatred the other girl felt for her. Anger built up inside of Rogue, eating away the anger inside of Carol. Her grip around the blonde tightened even as Carol's slackened. The girl had passed out. The two girls floated into the air with Rogue still draining Carol. On the ground Scott readied his visor and at a nod from Ororo blasted an optic blast that sent both girls hurling to the ground.

Logan was running across the yard with Moira hot on his heels. Sam followed, with the Professor at his side, out of breath. He had been the one sent after the adults.

"What happened here?" demanded Logan kneeling beside Rogue as Moira knelt beside Carol.

The doctor took Carol's pulse and glanced at Rogue with fear in her eyes. "Get them down to the infirmary immediately!" she ordered. "Dear god, I knew something like this would happen," she murmured to herself as she watched Logan lift an unconscious Rogue into his arms. She nodded at Hank and the blue beast hefted Carol into his.

"Please don't let it be too late," prayed Moira as she led the two men back into the mansion.

Hours Later:

Carol's eyes flickered open, squinting in pain. She felt as though she had been hit by a train. Her entire body ached, and her mind fuzzy. In the distance she could hear voices talking. Blinking, Carol noticed a curtain drawn around her bed. The voices came from the other side. Carol didn't move a muscle as she strained to hear what was being said.

"She's dangerous. I can't believe we didn't catch the signs earlier," said Hank. "A girl like Carol should not have been brought here."

Ororo sighed. "I have to wonder if perhaps Tabitha was telling the truth about David. I can't believe Carol fooled us the way she did. To what end?"

"To kill Rogue," answered the Professor with a tired voice. "Rogue has gained more enemies than Logan it seems. She is very important to everyone around her…I believe Emma Frost is not as taken in by the prophecy as her counterparts. She seems to believe that Phoenix can accomplish all that Rogue is destined to do."

Logan snarled. "What about Rogue, is she gonna be okay, doc?"

Moira let out a short breath. "I don't know. It's too early to see what ramifications will be wrought on Rogue. The good news is that she is still alive…I will have to wait until she wakes up to find out what has happened. All I gather so far is that Rogue used a high dosage of her absorption powers."

Gabrielle spoke up then. "What about Carol? How is she?"

"Steady…alive…but in a coma. I don't know when, or if, she'll ever wake up."

Sean groaned. "Great, just great. We have a real mess on our hands now. Protecting Rogue has proven hard enough—but the girl snapped today. We all know she did. How can she be trusted?"

Carol turned her head slowly to the side, her eyes adjusting to the darkness as she studied the still figure beside her. How could she be in a coma when she could hear them talking? Her face paled as she caught sight of the person in the next bed over. It was her.

Slowly and painfully Carol raised a hand in front of her face, her eyes roving up and down the tan skin. That wasn't hers. She tugged on a strand of hair, bringing it in eyesight. Her breath caught as she saw brown and white tresses instead of her blonde. She wasn't Carol…was she Rogue? Carol shook her head. She couldn't be. She had felt Rogue going limp in her grasp…the other girl had been as weak as Emma had said she was. She wasn't Rogue. She was Carol.

The Professor's voice from the other side of the curtain made her frown. "I've already called Carol's parents in California. They'll be here in the morning so we can decide what to do with her. Even though she is the enemy, it is ultimately up to her parents what we do with her."

Carol shook her head, quietly pushing herself into a sitting position. No one was going to do anything with her. A sharp pain cut through her mind, causing Carol to grit her teeth from crying out loud. As the pain slowly subsided a single thought floated into her mind. Carol Danvers was no more. Then it was gone. Shaking her head Carol placed her bare feet on the ground, and tip toed over to the bed beside her.

She studied the girl carefully and made a face. It wasn't possible. Rogue was dead. This had to be some dream. Carol had killed Rogue. Carol worked for Emma Frost. Carol was from California. Carol was not dead.

Her parents. They would know her. Carol tiptoed back to her bed and sat down. She had to get out of here. She had to get back to her parents. Carol had to get home. Thinking things through carefully, Carol stood up and walked towards the curtain. With hesitant hands she pulled it open, surprising the adults on the other side.

"Rogue?" asked Logan gently. Carol frowned. She wasn't Rogue. Rogue was dead. The X-Men were stupider than Carol had originally thought. Carol eyed Logan carefully, her eyes studying the room. She ignored the adults, but her eyes lit up upon seeing the doorway. That was the way out. Then her ears caught the sound of Moira's voice whispering to another person behind her.

Carol snorted. They weren't going to keep her here—no one could keep Miss Marvel down. Not even the X-Men. Carol swirled to appraise the figure behind her. With another snort Carol floated into the air, her infirmary gown ruffling around her knees. Without a word Carol bolted through the doorway, banging it open loudly. Behind her she could hear the adults scrambling after her, but Carol knew the way out. It was all coming back to her now. She crashed through the elevator doors, bringing her fingers to her ears as Sean opened his mouth to scream his mutant scream. She broke though the top of the elevator and up the shaft way, bolting through the ground level doors. She paused upon seeing Scott, Warren, Bobby, Kurt and Kitty huddled around the staircase.

Kurt's eyes brightened in surprise. "Rogue! Hey, since when could you fly?"

"And break though metal?" added Kitty looking at the broken elevator doors.

"Rogue is dead," stated Carol coldly. Without another word she flew over to the doorway and opened it, placing her feet onto the front porch. She could sense the puzzled glances behind her, but Carol didn't have time. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath of the night air.

With a smile on her face, Carol walked to the edge of the porch before floating into the sky. She glanced back at the mansion one last time before bolting through the sky as fast as she could. Carol was going home.

California:

Carol landed on the front porch of a blue picturesque house. She padded over to the front door and tried the knob. It was locked. With a frown, Carol rang the doorbell. Her parents never locked her out of the house. Then again, it was rather late.

From inside the house Carol could hear two pairs of feet shuffling over to the doorway. The porch light sprang on, making Carol blink to adjust to the sudden glow. She tilted her head to one side as the front door opened to reveal her parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Danvers looked at Carol without recognizing her. "Can we help you?" asked Mr. Danvers suspiciously.

Carol rolled her eyes. "It's me, daddy, Carol." She watched in amusement as her parents exchanged a glance before Mrs. Danvers opened her arms and wrapped them around Carol.

"Of course it's you, Carol. Professor Xavier was kind enough to call us and inform us that you would be coming soon. We didn't expect you quite so early," said Mrs. Danvers shooting her husband a look as she led Carol into the house. "You must be freezing wearing just a thin gown like that. Why don't you go upstairs and take a nice hot shower, and put on some warm clothes while I make you something to eat. How does that sound?"

"Wonderful," replied Carol with a wide grin on her face. "You two have no idea how great it is to be back home finally."

Mr. Danvers nodded and patted Carol on the head. Carol beamed at them and quickly disappeared up the stairs. As soon as she was out of earshot, Mr. Danvers said, "Should I call the Professor, or you?"

"You, I'm really going to get her something to eat. The poor dear…she's so confused. How could our daughter do something like this to another person? I thought we had taught her never to use her powers against anyone else—human or mutant."

"It's alright, we'll get through this," murmured Mr. Danvers hugging his wife close.

Upstairs Carol had a towel wrapped around her body as she waited for the water in her shower to heat up. As soon as she spied steam she quickly tore off her towel and hopped into the shower. Hot water rained down on her skin, relaxing her muscles. Carol sighed in contentment as she stood beneath the shower head, letting the water soak into her skin.

Another flash of pain cut through her head, forcing Carol to press her hands against the wall to steady herself. This time, however, the pain was accompanied by a memory.

She was only ten, and it was hot outside. Her skin was soaked with sweat and her parents were lounging on the front porch, fanning themselves with the Sunday paper. She thought she was going to die because it was so hot—until Cody appeared out of nowhere, drenching her with a water gun. Seconds later she was on her feet, taking the garden hose from her dad and spraying Cody with water. Cody's parents arrived and joined her parents on the porch. Her dad set up the sprinkler and for the rest of the day she and Cody played in the sprinkler.

Carol blinked, remembering where she was. She didn't know anyone named Cody…did she? A frown formed on her face, her forehead crinkling in thought. She stepped out of the shower, wrapping her towel around her, leaving the shower running. Despite all the steam in the bathroom, Carol easily made her way to the mirror hanging above the sink. She placed a single hand on it and wiped away the steam to see her face.

A lightly tan face with emerald green eyes and wet brown hair with white stripes in the front greeted her.

"I can't be me if I look like you," she said to the mirror. Steam fogged up the mirror again, but Carol didn't see it. "You're not dead. I am. But who am I?"

Carol turned her back to the mirror and went to turn off the shower. She watched the shower head drip before finally drying herself off. She returned to her bedroom and rummaged around the drawers for clothes. Finding a pair of blue jeans and a white tee shirt she pulled them on before looking around for some socks and shoes. Carol sat on the edge of her bed, puzzled.

"I'm not Carol…I'm…Ah'm…" Her mind drifted back to her memory. Laughter and squeals echoed in her mind. Cody. "Ah'm Marie."

Relief flooded through Marie's body. She knew who she was…this wasn't home. This was someone else's home. Taking a deep breath Marie walked over to the window and pulled it open. She crawled out onto the window sill before leaping into the sky. From the air she glanced back at the house and shook her head before flying into the clouds.

Marie was going home.

Back inside the house Mrs. Danvers made her way up to Carol's bedroom, peeking in. Her face fell at the sight of the open window. "Honey, she's gone!"

Caldecott, Mississippi:

Marie walked down the street, her eyes taking in everything she saw. Not much had changed since the last time she had been here. The Everett's were still trying to plant their garden; the Tripp's were still renovating their house; and the front lawn of the Hardy's was still littered with toys.

Marie couldn't help the smile that developed on her face. She had missed this. Caldecott was so plain, so small, but so perfect, and so simple. Marie missed simple. She missed the south. But most of all she missed her family.

Her feet stopped of their own accord as her house came into view. Outside, in the small garden, sat Lena. Marie felt her breath catch in her throat. Lena hadn't changed much either. Her brown hair was pulled back and tucked beneath a wide straw hat. Sitting in the front yard with her was a small boy with wisps of brown curls atop his head. A boy. Lena had had a boy. Marie had a brother.

Taking a very deep breath, Marie straightened her shoulders and headed in the direction of the house. The street was half empty as usual. A few familiar faces gazed at her solemnly as she passed them by. Inside, Marie could feel her heart skip a beat.

They know, whispered her mind. They know what you've done.

Marie gritted her teeth. She hadn't done anything. She was innocent. She was just Marie. She only wanted to return home where she belonged.

Lena glanced up as she heard footsteps stop on the sidewalk in front of her house. She did a double take upon seeing Marie. "Oh Lawd," she murmured, dropping the spade in her hand. Lena scrambled to her feet and took a tentative forward towards the girl in front of her. "Marie, is that you?"

Tears sprang up in Marie's eyes as she nodded, whispering hoarsely, "Mama."

"Oh Lawd!" Lena ran forward, crushing Marie close in her arms, tears streaming down her face. "Oh Lawd, Ah didn't think we'd ever see ya again. Jack! Jack, get out here! It's Marie! Marie's come home!" cried out the older woman in between sobs.

From the front door Jack came running out of the house and down the porch steps. Marie could feel him wrapping his arms around both her and Lena. Marie began to sob as the reality hit her. She was home. She was finally home.

Three Hours Later:

Marie tickled J.J.'s tummy, grinning at him as he broke into giggles. He was the sweetest little boy she had ever seen. A pang tore itself in her stomach. Marie wanted this one day. She wanted kids…a family…security. But she never would, because she was a mutant.

She glanced down at her hands that were now covered in long brown gloves that Lena had found for her. The past few hours had been catching Marie up on the events since she had drained Cody. At first Marie had been in denial, but after a while the memories came back to her—everything had come back to her. She wasn't Marie any longer…she was Rogue.

With a sigh Rogue sat back in the sofa cushions watching as J.J., or Jack Jr., toddled over to Jack. "Ah wish things were different," murmured Rogue. "Ah used ta wanna get away from Caldecott, ahn now all Ah want is ta stay here forever."

Lena smiled a sad smile as she reached over and squeezed Rogue's gloved hand. "We wish the same thing, Marie. We've missed ya somethin' awful the past few months."

Jack nodded in agreement. "We never meant ta drive ya away, Marie…we were jus' tryin' ta buy some time. We only agreed ta lockin' ya up for one night, ahn then we were gonna get ya out and move—all of us together. Ah never thought you'd overhear ahn run away. We're real sorry, Marie. We love you—we always have, from the very moment we found ya ohn our front porch all those years ago."

"Ah think Ah've always known that…but Ah was so scared ahn hurt that…Ah'm a mutant. Ah think Ah just feel better thinkin' that no one loves meh ahn that everyone wants ta use meh for some grander plan or give up ohn meh." Rogue shook her head wearily. "Things have been so jumbled inside mah head lately…Ah cahn't even remember who Ah am anymore."

"You're Marie," answered Lena firmly. "You always have been ahn ya always will be. Nothing cahn ever change who you are…not even some powers."

Rogue smiled a tiny smile. "Thank-you." She lapsed into silence and watched as Lena and Jack exchanged a look. "What?"

Jack cleared his throat uncomfortably. "There are a couple of things we gotta tell ya, Marie."

Lena swallowed a lump in her throat before speaking. "We shoulda told ya this years ago…but Ah always kept puttin' it off. Ah guess Ah jus' wanted ya ta always think of meh as your mother." Taking a deep breath, Lena continued. "Marie, after we found ya ohn our doorstep, your birth mother contacted us. Raven…well she came ta visit ya once a month. You were so young…ya never knew who she was. Eventually she stopped comin' ahn only called once every few weeks ta check ohn ya. It was a year ago that she started callin' nightly. She said she had a feelin' somethin' bad was gonna happen. She sounded so scared ohn that phone every time we answered. She called the night ya ran away. We had failed her…she had trusted your life in our hands. She loved ya so much, Marie. It hurt her ta come over ahn see ya callin' meh your mama…she's always loved ya. She's…she has her own problems, yes, but you…she wanted so hard to protect you…and then she got caught up with that lover of hers, ahn she kinda lost her way. Ah think she was afraid 'cause she had failed ya too. She wanted a good life for ya, Marie…not the life of a mutant."

Rogue shook her head. "You mean ta tell meh that Mystique…Raven…she's been a part of mah life all along?"

"Yeah," answered Jack with a sigh. "The woman was crazy 'bout ya. She always knew when ya had caught a cold or had gotten hurt. She'd call right away ahn ask 'bout ya. Ah thought she was paranoid."

Lena chuckled. "She's a mother. Every mother knows when there's something wrong with their child."

"Ah had no idea," murmured Rogue. "Why didn't she tell meh?"

"She's not perfect…she has a lot of sins ta make up for, but Ah think she wanted ya ta have good memories of your family—of us, not her." Lena scooted closer to Rogue, wrapping an arm around the younger girl's shoulder. "She did the best she could, Marie. She did the best she knew how considerin' her circumstances. She's just as human as the rest of us."

Rogue nodded with tears rolling down her cheeks. She was finally beginning to see Mystique in a whole new light. Wiping away her tears, Rogue turned to Jack. "What else didja wanna tell meh?"

Jack cleared his throat, sitting on the edge of his seat, shifting a dozing J.J. into his other arm. "It's 'bout Cody, Marie."

"What 'bout him, is he alright?"

"He's…he's dyin', Marie."

"What?" Rogue felt as though the world around her was crumbling. "How?"

Jack winced. "Ah don't want ya ta take this the wrong way…but Cody ain't been the same since ya…kissed him. His body's breakin' down. The doctors have been sayin' he only has six weeks left—but that was four months ago. He keeps askin' 'bout ya, Marie. Ah don't think he wants ta die without sayin' good-bye to ya."

"Oh, gawd." Rogue slumped in her seat, allowing Lena to comfort her. "Oh, gawd. What have Ah done?"

"Shush, it's not your fault, Marie. It's the will of Gawd," murmured Lena.

"He cahn't die," whispered Rogue, still stricken with shock. "He just cahn't."

Jack sighed. "You should go ahn see him, Marie. His parents would be grateful if ya did. It pains 'em ta see Cody sufferin' so much."

"Ah…alright," agreed Rogue with a nod.

Twenty Minutes Later:

Rogue shifted nervously as she followed Jack and Lena into Cody's house. It looked just as she remembered it. Quaint and cozy. Rogue could remember many an afternoon spent playing cards in the living room with Cody…she shook her head, wrapping her arms around her body. She didn't want to relive the past.

Jack led his wife, son, and Rogue up the stairs and down the hall. Standing outside the doorway were Cody's parents and the local doctor.

Cody's mother was weeping. Her eyes widened at the sight of Marie. "Oh thank gawd," she sobbed. "Please, Marie, help him let go. Ah cahn't see him suffer no more! Please tell him it's okay ta…"

Cody's father nodded solemnly, his face gaunt with added stress. "He's been waitin' ta say good-bye."

Rogue took a deep breath and turned to the closed door. Her hand shook as she reached down to the doorknob and pushed the door open. The room was bathed in the soft light of dusk. Rogue closed the door behind her and made her way over to the bed. Cody was fast asleep. She pulled a chair over to the bed and took a seat, studying his face.

Cody's face was thinner than she remembered. His hair had lost its shine, and now hung limply on his head. She could see his bones in his arms, and there were heavy bags under her eyes.

Rogue swallowed a lump in her throat as Cody's eyes opened up. The once bright blue were lacking in shine…they were dull and faded now. Rogue bit her lip and reached to take his fragile hand in her own gloved ones. "Hey," she said softly.

"Marie?" he coughed out. Rogue winced as his body wracked with coughs. The spell subsided and he leaned down into his pillows weakly. "Gawd, Marie, Ah didn't think Ah'd ever see ya 'gain."

"Ya cahn't get rid of meh that easy." Rogue lapsed into silence, her eyes searching his. "Cody, Ah'm so sorry. Ah never meant for this ta happen to ya."

"It ain't your fault, Marie. Ah don't blame ya…ya cahn't control who you are. Ah've missed ya."

"Ah've missed ya too, Cody." Rogue let out a small sob, burying her head in Cody's lap. "Ah cahn't say good-bye! You're mah best friend!"

"Ahn you're mahne." Cody chuckled dryly, a small cough escaping from his chest. "Ah used ta think you ahn Ah would travel the world together…get married…have kids. That's what woulda happened if ya hadn't become…you…but it didn't happen. Fate has somethin' else in store for us."

Rogue shook her head, sobbing. "Ah want this, Ah want us, Cody. Ah don't wanna be a mutant—Ah want mah old life back. Ah want you."

Cody placed his other hand on Rogue's hair. "Ya gotta move ohn, Marie. Ya gotta do some good in this world. There's a war goin' ohn…but Ah don't think mutants are evil. A lot of us don't…ahn you gotta make the world see that. Make them see you're good."

Bringing her tearstained face upwards, Rogue glanced at Cody. "Ah don't know if Ah cahn, Cody. Ah've done so much wrong in mah life…Ah don't think Ah cahn ever do anythin' good."

"Ah know you cahn, Marie. Ah believe in you."

And for the first time in her life Rogue believed in herself too.

Two Days Later:

Rogue's face was stoic as she watched the coffin be lowered into the ground. Around her she could sense the mourners drifting away, back towards Cody's house to offer their condolences to his parents. She looked up as she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Jack stared at her with concern etched into his eyes. A little ways off Rogue spied Lena and J.J. waiting. Clearing his throat, Jack said, "We love ya, Marie. Whatever you decide, we'll always love ya."

Rogue nodded and turned back to look at the fresh grave. "Ah hafta go. Ah have somethin' Ah've gotta do." She glanced back at Jack with a sad smile. "Ah love you ahn mama so much…Ah'll never forget ya. Take care of J.J."

Jack nodded in understanding. "Take care of yourself, Marie." He squeezed her shoulder and turned to join his wife and son. Rogue watched him wrap an arm around Lena's shoulder, leading her away from the cemetery.

With a heavy heart Rogue turned one last time to Cody's grave. She couldn't cry for him anymore. Closing her eyes, Rogue said one last prayer before flying into the air.

Bayville:

Deep in her heart, Rogue knew where to find her. She always had. As she walked down the hallway, however, she began to have second thoughts. What reason would she have to be at Irene's apartment? But Rogue pushed her fears aside as she knocked on the apartment door. She couldn't turn back now.

The door opened and Rogue found herself staring into the eyes of one Raven Darkholme. The woman's figure shifted back into her blue form, her eyes widening at the sight of her daughter. "Rogue?"

Rogue felt her heart burst, hearing the worry and pain in Mystique's voice. Tears welled up in her eyes as she hurled herself into Mystique's arms. "Mama," she sobbed.

It was almost midnight by the time Rogue had caught Mystique up to speed on the latest turn of events. Rogue had told Mystique about events with Carol and Cody, while Mystique told Rogue about Destiny working with Juggernaut, Black Tom, and Lady Deathstrike, and the fact that Gambit was working with Sinister to protect Rogue.

The shape shifter stroked her daughter's hair as she watched Rogue sleep on the couch. A content smile formed on Mystique's lips. Rogue no longer hated her…they had finally come to an understanding with each other. Mystique was grateful. She would never let anything come between her and her daughter ever again.

Mystique closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the bottom of the couch. Within minutes she was fast asleep. As soon as Rogue heard the steady breathing of her mother, her eyes shot open. She didn't make a sound as she slipped off the couch, taking her blanket and covering Mystique with it.

Rogue watched her mother sleep for a few minutes before heading towards the window of the apartment. She slid it open and flew outside, and then turned back to gently close the window once more. Through the glass she could see Mystique still sleeping peacefully, but Rogue couldn't stay. She had something she was destined to do.

Westchester:

Rogue walked into the bar, her eyes searching through the crowds until she spotted the one person she had come for. With a wicked grin on her lips, Rogue nodded to a man gawking at her from the pool table. She didn't say a word as she swiped the man's pool stick and headed towards the poker table in the back of the room.

"I t'ink I won again, Mon Amis," said Remy with a chuckle as he laid down his hand of cards. The men around him groaned, some looking up in confusion at something behind him. Remy turned at the tap on his shoulder, and instantly regretted it.

Rogue used the pool stick to hit Remy across the face, knocking him out of his chair and onto the wooden floor. She pressed one end of the stick into his throat, and watched in amusement as he looked up at her in surprise.

"You really know how ta sweep a man off his feet, non, chérie?" teased Remy wrapping a hand around the pool stick.

Rogue raised an eyebrow as the stick glowed red. "Ya weren't thinkin' of tryin' ta blast your way outta here, were ya, Swamp Rat? You best be lettin' go of the stick ahn comin' with meh. Ah have a proposition for ya."

"Somehow I don' find dat the least bit comfortin', chère."

"Don't make meh hurt ya." Rogue tossed the stick aside and reached down to grab Remy by the collar of the neck, pulling him onto his feet. The men in the bar laughed and whistled as they watched Rogue drag Remy outside.

"You're startin' ta ruin my reputation, chère, so dis prop'sition o' yours better be good."

"Ah wanna find Sinister," stated Rogue crossing her arms in front of her chest.

Remy made a face. "Now why you wanna go find him, huh? He only wants ta use ya."

"Let him try…Ah have a few tricks up mah sleeve…Ah ain't goin' down without a fight—ahn you're gonna help meh."

"Are you tryin' ta get me killed on purpose, chère? 'Cause ev'ry time I turn 'round dere you are 'causin' me a shitload of trouble."

Rogue rolled her eyes. "Ya ain't gonna be the only one helpin' meh out, sugah. Juggernaut, Black Tom, Destiny ahn Lady Deathstrike will be comin' along too."

"Why you gotta go find Sinister—can't ya do somet'in' else?"

"Swamp Rat, Ah suggest ya humor meh ahn get meh in with Sinister. Ah wanna join his side for a while."

Remy groaned. He was going to die hanging around Rogue…promise or no promise to Mystique. "What do ya think you're gonna do on his side?"

Rogue smiled sweetly. "Ah'm gonna change the prophecy."

A/N—I think this might be the longest chapter I've written so far. Anyway, this was a big one…and my personal favorite. A lot of stuff happened…important stuff. Until next time, enjoy this one!