Disclaimer: None of this belongs to me

Disclaimer: None of this belongs to me.

49-Trials and Tribulations

"Remy, wake up," whispered Rogue shaking the Cajun gently. Remy mumbled in his sleep, a frown crossing his face as his eyes blinked open to reveal his red irises.

"I was sleeping just fine, chère—dreaming about us and our three kids," grumbled Remy in a teasing manner.

Rogue made a face. "How many times do I have to tell you, Swamp Rat, that we are not having kids together?"

"I know, I know. We still have to get married," replied Remy with a smirk. Rogue rolled her eyes at the joke and pulled Remy into a sitting position on the bed. The room was still dark, and Remy could still see the stars shining outside. "Aw, chère, it isn't even morning yet. What'd you go and wake me up for?"

"Because I've got a lot of people to absorb today, remember? If we want to get in and out of the X-Mansion as quickly as possible then we need to go now while they're unprepared. Half of them should be asleep."

"You'd make a good thief, chérie. You ever think about switching careers?"

"Not lately. Now let's get going…I don't have all day, you lazy bum."

"I'm coming," sighed Remy getting to his feet. "So who's first?"

Rogue grinned as she opened the door to their bedroom. "I was thinking of letting the precious White Queen go first."

"You sure are one dangerous fille, chérie." Remy grabbed his trench coat off the back of the chair and shrugged it on as he followed Rogue out of the room. They made their way down the hallway until Rogue stopped in front of a single door. She tried the knob and rolled her eyes upon finding it locked. Stepping aside, Rogue watched as Remy quickly picked the lock and swung open the door. With a grateful smile Rogue allowed her eyes to adjust to the dark before walking inside.

The room was a mess. Rogue shook her head as she made her way over to the bed where Emma was passed out on. Rogue wrinkled her nose in disgust as she got a whiff of alcohol. The blonde woman was drunk. Rogue quickly reached down and placed the tips of her fingers on Emma's cheek, feeling her powers start up instantly. Rogue's eyes widened just as Emma's flew open—both of them sharing the same memory of Emma pointing a gun at her sister. Just as the gun fired, Rogue let go, stumbling backwards as Emma fell back into her torn pillows, unconscious.

"You alright, chère?" asked Remy as Rogue made her way out of the room. She nodded sharply as he closed the door. Pulling herself together as best she could Rogue walked over to another door. She had to do what she had to do.

Sebastian and Selene were fast asleep as Rogue slipped into the room. With two touches Rogue was able to stumble back out into the hallway and move on to the next room, trying hard not to think about directing mutant slave sales or sucking the life out of someone to stay young and beautiful.

Sabertooth didn't make a sound as Rogue absorbed him; he simply fell into a deeper sleep than before. But she was grinding her teeth at his dark thoughts and hidden past that linked him to Logan.

Destiny, Yuriko, and Black Tom experienced the same thing. Each one leaving Rogue with more memories than she cared to experience at a single time. With Irene Rogue felt what it was like to see flashes of a fiery future; with Yuriko Rogue felt the woman's healing factor kicking in so she could escape and save Mastermind from a watery grave; and with Black Tom Rogue felt a deep hatred for Banshee, mixed with genuine love of the young girl Siryn.

"Here are the dormitories, chère," murmured Remy as they entered another hallway. "I think this door is for the filles."

"Right." Rogue pushed open the door and took a deep breath as she made her way to each bedside. The first bed belonged to Amara. Rogue reached down and drained the girl, rolling her eyes as she felt her body take on a magma like form…and then just as suddenly as it had happened, the form disappeared, leaving Rogue her normal self again.

The next bed belonged to Sharon Smith, a girl with lavender eyes and lavender colored hair cropped down to her ears. She called herself Catseye, and as Rogue absorbed her she could see why. The girl thought she was a real cat.

Jennifer Stavros, a girl with shoulder length blonde hair streaked with red, and blue eyes. Known as Roulette, Rogue had no qualms about draining this girl. She could use good luck for the rest of her day.

The next bed over was Marie-Ange Colbert's. She had dark red hair down to her chin and green eyes. Called Tarot, the girl was never without her tarot cards, but Rogue had no use for them, just the girl's powers.

Next was Angelica Jones, known as Firestar. Her hair was an orange-red color, off setting her blue eyes during the day. Rogue reached down to drain her, taking note that the girl's thoughts indicated she was with the Hellions against her will.

Sooraya Qadir was in the very next bed. It was the first time Rogue had seen the girl not wearing her traditional Muslim garb. The girl known as Dust had long black hair, and dark eyes, but Rogue didn't know if she liked the girl's ability of turning to dust in the midst of battle.

Mercury was next. Her real name was Cessily Kincaid, but she rarely liked to go by that considering her body was made up of the blue mercury color, off setting her short red hair. Oddly enough the girl almost reminded Rogue of Mystique.

The last bed in the room belonged to Maria Callasantos, the girl known as Feral. Rogue shuddered as she studied the girl. Her orange and white shoulder length hair was tangled, and Rogue hated the way the girl glared at her with her bright yellow irises. It reminded Rogue too much of Sabertooth.

Rogue left the room and went to the door directly across from it leading into the boys' dormitory. Roberto was first, making Rogue grimace as she walked away with hatred of his father and undying devotion to Amara.

Next was David. Rogue grabbed a hold of the bed post after draining him, trying to keep the multiple personalities in the back of her mind so she could concentrate on the others in the room.

Devon Alomar, a boy with dark scraggly hair and dark eyes, known as Switch. As Rogue drained him, she suddenly felt as though she was looking up at her own body…as though she were Devon. The sensation evaporated in the blink of an eye and Rogue found herself back in her own body staring down at an unconscious boy.

Specter was next; a boy with blonde hair and blue eyes who had the ability to blend in with his own shadow. Rogue smiled after she drained him, recognizing his shy nature as one she had once had long ago. It seemed Dallas Gibson was nothing more than a lost soul.

Manuel Alfonso de la Rocha, also called Empath, was in the next bed. He had slick brown hair and matching eyes which had made Rogue distrust him upon first glance. She almost enjoyed absorbing his powers of empathy.

The next boy to drain was James Proudstar. His dark hair was normally pulled back in a small ponytail, and his dark eyes always seemed angry. Rogue felt an instant connection to the boy after draining him, learning of the loss of his brother. It was fitting that he had taken the code name of Warpath.

Brian Cruz was next. His long dark hair was put in cornrows, and he had dark eyes to match. Known as Tag, Rogue didn't blink twice as she drained him, knowing his powers would come in handy later.

The next one was known as Wither. His real was Kevin Ford, and his outlook on life matched his short dark hair and eyes. Rogue was careful as she drained him, not wanting to reduce herself to dust.

Rogue waited a few minutes to gather her strength, and hide the powers of Wither in the back of her mind before moving on to the mutant known as Icarus. He had light brown hair and blue eyes. Rogue knew he was called Jay by his friends, and that his real name was Joshua, but she had never heard his last name. As she drained him however, she felt a stab at her heart. This boy was related to Sam and Paige back at with the X-Men. He was a Guthrie.

Breathing heavily Rogue left the room and headed to the next door over which housed one Christopher Aaronson or King Bedlam as he was known. The man had brown hair and eyes, but Rogue had hated him at first sight. He was something of a slave driver when he was training the Hellions. Rogue had wanted to kick his ass to show him he was nothing more than an angry mutant prepping for war.

Remy was at her side as Rogue stumbled out of Bedlam's room. Her face was haggard from all the drainings. "Chère, do you have to do this? I know a place where they won't find us…we can hide there until the X-Men get Phoenix…there doesn't have to be an Apocalypse."

"I've got to finish what I've started, Swamp Rat. A lot of this is my fault. I have to fix it," replied Rogue struggling to stand without Remy's aid. Shaking his head Remy wrapped an arm around her waist and together the pair made their way down to the last bedroom in the house. Inside Mesmero was waiting for her.

The man was seated in a tall chair beside a fire, his dark eyes never lifting as Rogue entered the room with Remy right behind her. He was bald, but his head was covered with tattoos. All in all he was an imposing fellow.

"I was wondering when you would show up, Rogue. I was half expecting you to run off and hide," said Mesmero.

"And miss Apocalypse's waking up ceremony? Are you crazy?" shot back Rogue with a roll of her eyes. "I'm just here for your powers."

"They're all yours."

Gritting her teeth together Rogue reached down to Mesmero's face and placed her fingertips on him, absorbing his powers. Remy caught the brunette before she collapsed, helping her out of the room. Standing outside of the doorway was Sinister.

"Here are the names of the Four Horsemen—I want you to absorb their powers before Phoenix collects them," stated the dark mutant flatly. Rogue nodded and took the offered piece of paper from his hands, touching his skin as she did so. Sinister's eyes fluttered shut and he fell in a heap to the floor.

Rogue opened the paper and studied the names and locations carefully. "Looks like the sewers next, sugar."

Westchester Sewers:

Rogue listened to the distant echo of dripping water as she led Remy through the damp sewer tunnel. One hand was raised in the air like a ball of fire, lighting the way.

"I don't like this place," stated Remy with a grumble.

Rogue snorted. "Well it's not like I'm asking you to move down here, sugar. We're just stopping by to pay the Morlocks a little visit."

"Like they really want to visit with us."

"Want me to throw you in the water?"

"I was just saying."

Rolling her eyes Rogue slowed her pace, motioning for Remy to do the same as her ears caught a soft footstep from up ahead. Without warning the pair found themselves under attack from Callisto and Evan.

"What the hell are you doing down here?" seethed Callisto as Rogue lifted the woman into the air with a wave of her hands.

"Goddammit, Rogue! What the fuck are you up to?" demanded Evan, struggling to free himself from the grip Rogue had around his throat.

"Just thought I'd drop by and see how y'all were doing," replied Rogue with a sly smile. "Didn't expect a welcoming committee, did we, Swamp Rat?"

"Non…we figured we would be throwing a surprise party. But I kind of like this better 'cause now we don't have to get them a gift," stated Remy with a smile. In his hands a deck of cards were busy being shuffled.

"Oh I don't know about that, Cajun. I thought I'd give them a special surprise to let them know just how much I appreciate them." As Rogue spoke Evan's eyes began to widen as he felt her fingertips dig into his skin and drain him. A few seconds later he was lying in a heap on the ground as Rogue waved Callisto closer to the ground.

Rogue spoke in a whisper before draining the dark haired Morlock. "I guess you were right about me, sugar…I can't be trusted." Rogue stepped over the fallen pair gingerly, motioning for Remy to follow her as she struggled to keep control of her mind. She wouldn't be weak down here…not when she had so many more mutants to drain before daylight broke.

"It stinks," remarked Remy quietly.

"That means we're getting closer," murmured Rogue. Five minutes later the pair came across the rest of the Morlocks, catching them by surprise.

Caliban stepped forward as the Morlocks began to group together. "Rogue…what is going on?"

"This is nothing more than a business call, Caliban. Y'all are getting a real deal by not forcing me to take you topside to leave you for the humans. All I want is to borrow some powers and I'll be on my way."

Remy grinned as he brought out his bo-staff, whirling it around in his hands. "I think they're going to put up a fight, chère."

"Sounds like a party to me." Rogue lunged forward, grabbing Caliban and flipping him onto the ground. She bent down to place her fingertips on his face, whispering, "This is going to hurt me more than it's going to hurt you, sugar…but I don't have a choice anymore."

Caliban's eyes fluttered shut as Remy took a few steps into the makeshift hideout, his eyes daring the rest of the mutants to run away. Rogue got to her feet and grimaced as the Morlocks bent their heads in defeat. It seemed that Callisto, Evan, and Caliban were the ringleaders of the bunch…and that the rest of the Morlocks were nothing more than gentle folk.

"I don't want to do this…but it's the only way to stop the true evil that's coming our way," said Rogue softly. "I promise y'all will be better in the morning. It's just like going to sleep."

One Morlock stepped forward, speaking in a strained voice. "We only ask to be left alone after this," she said in a husky voice. Rogue nodded and placed gentle fingertips on the mutant's dark skinned face, watching as the woman fell to the ground beside Caliban. Rogue waited for the powers to subside as another mutant stepped forward.

He was a small boy with gray skin and brown hair. "Is Cybelle gonna be okay? Leech doesn't want Cybelle to be hurt," murmured the boy softly as he glanced at the fallen Morlock.

"She'll be fine, sugar, I promise."

Leech nodded as Rogue bent down to absorb the boy, she caught him and gently lowered him to the ground as another mutant came forward in a meek manner, almost melting off the walls. "We have wondered when you…would come. You are talked about…everywhere now. A dangerous topsider…you will never return here again…you must not return again…" The mutant with the long goatee and thin mustache fell silent as he slumped to the ground.

Rogue flexed her fingers, remembering that she wasn't Façade and turned to face the next Morlock. This one reminded her of Toad with his frog-like appearance. He didn't say a word as Rogue drained him and moved onto the next one.

"Oh dear…if even Lucid is doing it…I guess I have…no choice," murmured the woman as she shifted between her large reptilian shape and human form. "I am Scaleface of the Morlocks…I fear no one." The last words were said more to comfort herself as Rogue reached out and absorbed the woman.

"It is alright, Torpid. They are all going to sleep. You wanted to take a nap today, remember?" A tiny old woman with gray hair stepped forward pushing a small girl with dark brown hair in front of her. "Plague will be here when you wake up."

Rogue reached down and absorbed the tiny girl and waited until the Morlock known as Plague had eased the girl to the ground. Rogue studied the tiny woman carefully. "I think I'll be seeing you again very soon." With those words Rogue reached out and drained the woman, falling backwards into Remy's arms as Plague collapsed to the ground.

"Why are we going to see the old lady again, chérie?"

"She's one of the Four Horsemen," mumbled Rogue as she wrapped an arm around Remy's shoulders and allowed him to help her walk back the way they had come.

The X-Mansion

Toad was grumbling under his breath as he walked down the stairs of the mansion. First and foremost, he didn't feel comfortable living with the X-Geeks—not after months of fighting against them…and secondly, the girl following him around was driving him nuts.

"Would you leave me alone?" demanded Toad as he stopped on the bottom step.

Illyana blinked in surprise and grinned. "Didn't my brother tell you to play nice with me?" she teased.

"If he wasn't made of metal I wouldn't be listening to him, now would I? But, seriously, sweetums, it's getting kind of old with you following me around. Aren't you bored? Don't you have friends?" shot back Toad throwing his hands up in exasperation.

"Fine, fine, I'll go bother Piotr…but don't think that means I'm gonna leave you alone tomorrow. Bye." Illyana patted Toad on the head and bounced into the living room. Breathing in relief Toad slumped down on the steps, resting his head on the railing. Of all the girls to follow him around, Illyana had been his last choice…but it seemed Wanda really had no feelings for him. She spent most of her time with Piotr, Illyana's brother.

"Why me, huh?" groaned the teen looking up at the ceiling.

In the living room Piotr was seated on the couch watching the news with little interest. He was bored as well…actually he was itching to get out a canvas and some paints, but he shoved that idea aside as Illyana plopped down beside him, her blonde curls bouncing every which way.

"Is something the matter?" questioned Piotr with concern.

"I don't think Toad likes me."

Piotr made a face, but didn't point out that she didn't need Toad to like her. His sister had always been a bit strange growing up. She liked the very people and things that no one else did. So Piotr hadn't been too surprised that she had taken an intense liking to Toad. "Perhaps you should give him some more time…and a little space, no?"

Illyana shrugged. "I guess. You didn't threaten him did you?"

"No. I think he is genuinely afraid of me to begin with." Piotr chuckled and ruffled Illyana's hair before asking, "Are you happy here?"

"Yeah…the X-Men are really nice, Piotr. You should give them another chance. Mama and papa would be proud if you stuck it out with the X-Men and not that tin can you call a boss." Illyana grinned impishly. "Besides, they have their own pool and jet. That's like the best part of staying here!"

"We shall see," murmured Piotr thoughtfully.

Illyana rolled her eyes, growing serious. "Really, Piotr, they aren't bad. They have a good mission…and you've always been about doing good. I don't get why you're with the Brotherhood. I want you to be with me, and I'm going to stay with the X-Men. You're all I have."

"I know, and I will do anything to protect you, Illyana. I just need to think about it. I promise I will think on it, okay? Until then…let us just enjoy our time together."

"It's a deal." Illyana snuggled against her brother and turned her attention to the T.V. Piotr studied her for a minute before turning back to the news as well. A sudden sound coming from outside interrupted their reverie.

"What was that?" asked Illyana sitting up on the couch. Piotr shook his head, meaning he didn't know, as he got to his feet. He walked over to the window and peered out into the dark sky. Something was wrong. Just as he turned to tell Illyana to find an adult, the window burst open and Piotr was knocked to his feet. Before he could metal up, Rogue had drained him. Illyana let out a sharp cry as Rogue rounded on her.

From the foyer Toad lifted his head up at the sound of Illyana's voice. He jumped to his feet and burst into the living room, only to find Illyana and Piotr lying on the ground unconscious. Turning to run for help, Toad found himself face to face with Rogue.

"Oh no."

Rogue smiled. "Oh yes."

Remy climbed in through the window, brushing dust off his trench coat. He surveyed the three unconscious mutants on the ground before looking over at Rogue. "We better get moving, chère, before someone finds them lying around."

Rogue nodded and the pair moved out of the living room on silent feet.

Ray grinned at the giant ice cream sundae in front of him, glancing over at Rahne and Jamie who were watching with avid interest. "Whaddya think?"

Rahne giggled. "Ororo's gonna kill us for using all the ice cream to make this thing."

"Can we eat it yet?" demanded Jamie stamping in his foot impatiently. "I'm starving!"

"Let's dig in!" replied Ray. The three mutants each picked up a spoon, set to take their first bite of the sundae when Ray fell to the ground unconscious. Rahne and Jamie looked up with wide eyes just as Rogue placed her fingertips on their skin. The two mutants slid to the ground beside Ray as Remy poked a finger at the sundae.

"Remy, we don't have time," said Rogue crossing her arms.

"But it's going to melt if we just leave it here," protested Remy.

"We'll get ice cream later."

"You're no fun, chère."

"I'm supposed to be playing the part of the enemy here, I'm not supposed to be fun, Swamp Rat."

"Fine, but just so you know, I get to name our first kid."

Rogue made a face at the Cajun as they slipped out of the room. They blinked in surprise as they ran head first into Tabitha and Lance, heading straight for the kitchen.

"What the fuck?" gasped Tabitha, her eyes widening at the sight of Rogue and Remy.

"What are you doing here?" added Lance suspiciously.

"Dropping by to say bonjour, mon ami," said Remy bringing out his bo-staff and knocking Lance to the ground.

"Lance!" Tabitha turned to help Lance up, but fell into a deep sleep as Rogue absorbed her. Remy wasted no time in knocking Lance out as well.

"Are you going to get him too?" inquired the Cajun motioning at Lance.

Rogue shook her head. "I already drained him once. I don't need to drain him again."

Down the hallway, Xavier was seated in front of Gabrielle, holding her hands in his.

"I know you're still angry with me for not telling you about David," sighed Gabrielle. "At the time I thought I was doing you a favor by going away. I'm sorry."

"Gabrielle, I could never be mad at you…I was hurt when you filed for divorce, but I never stopped caring."

"Really?" Gabrielle looked up, hope in her eyes.

Xavier nodded. "I was sincere when I said I wanted to be with you for the rest of my life. Gabrielle, you mean the world to me, and if you'll have me, I would like to marry you again."

Gabrielle sniffed back a few tears, a smile on her face. "Of course."

Xavier smiled, but then it faltered as he glanced at the doorway, sensing an intruder in the house.

"Is something wrong?" asked Gabrielle noticing the look on his face.

"I think we have company."

"Friendly?"

Xavier let his thoughts drift away and shook his head. "I'm afraid not." He was about to contact the rest of the household and alert them when the door to his office swung open. Xavier felt his concentration falter as Rogue and Remy walked into the room.

Gabrielle got to her feet. "What's going on?"

"Business as usual," murmured Rogue. "I hope I wasn't interrupting anything, but I've got some more calls to make, and Ah can't have you messing them up."

"Rogue, you don't have to do this," murmured Xavier as Rogue came to stand before him. "There are other ways."

"I can't wait any longer, Professor. Time ran out, and now I have to make things right." Rogue reached forward and reluctantly drained Xavier. Gabrielle stifled a scream as Xavier slumped in his wheel chair; her eyes were wide as Rogue turned to look at her.

"What have you done?" hissed Gabrielle rushing to Xavier's side. Her question was never answered as Remy knocked her out cold.

"How come I have to do all the dirty work?"

"If you want to trade me places, Swamp Rat, be my guest."

A few doors down in the rec room, Pietro and Wanda were busy talking…or trying too. They were still trying to come to terms with each other as well as their father.

"So, uh, d'ya still hate me?" asked Pietro glancing over at his sister nervously from across the pool table.

Wanda regarded him with shielded eyes. "Naturally."

"Oh, okay, just checking." Pietro lapsed into silence as Wanda took her shot. He leaned on his pool stick, staring at the table. "Why d'ya think dad agreed to work with the X-Men this time?"

"Mystique," replied Wanda crisply. "He seems to be head over heels for that woman…it's disgusting."

"Right. Do you think Rogue and Jean are actually that big of threats?"

"Everyone else thinks so…I think Apocalypse will be the bigger threat…but you know how the X-Men get when one of their own is in trouble. Now they have two lost sheep working for Sinister." Wanda chuckled and watched Pietro take his shot.

"But that's the thing," started Pietro after he had taken his shot. "Rogue isn't one of them…sure she was living with them and trying to fit in…but she belongs with us. She always has. Rogue doesn't believe in all that shit about peace with humans…not with her powers."

Wanda sighed. "The X-Men are a very forgiving group of mutants. I'm sure they'd give Graydon Creed another chance if he ever decided to renounce his ways and aid mutant kind. But you're right about Rogue. I still hate her, but I don't see her sticking around with the X-Men forever. She's too cunning for them."

Both Wanda and Pietro looked up as Alison entered the room. "Oh sorry, I was looking for Illyana. Have you guys seen her? I can't seem to find her anywhere."

"Oh, well, uh, um…that is, I uh, um, no…no, I haven't, have I, Wanda?" Pietro looked over at Wanda, his tongue tied.

Rolling her eyes Wanda handed Alison her pool stick. "I'll check in the living room. Piotr was catching up with the news; maybe he's seen her for you."

"Oh, thanks." Alison watched Wanda leave the room, and turned back to Pietro. "Is she always like that?"

"You have no idea," replied Pietro letting out a breath of air. "Um, d'ya want to play some pool?"

"I don't really know how."

"That's okay, I can teach you."

"Okay then." Alison brightened at the thought and listened in amusement as Pietro began to state the basics of pool. The pair glanced up as a pair of footsteps entered the room.

"Oh shit," said Pietro as he caught sight of Rogue and Remy in the doorway. Before the speedster could grab Alison and run out of the room, he found himself dangling in the air. "Hey, Roguey, long time no see. How've you been?"

Rogue only offered the white haired teen a small smile as she walked over to Alison to absorb her as Remy knocked Pietro out. When they left the room Alison and Pietro were sprawled out on the floor.

At the same time, Wanda entered the living room. Her eyes widened in surprise as she caught sight of Piotr, Toad, and Illyana on the floor. She rushed over to Piotr, shaking him, but swore under her breath when he didn't awaken. Her heart fluttered in relief as his chest rose…he was still alive.

"She's here. Dammit!" Wanda got to her feet, clenching her hands into fists. A vase fell to the ground as the room began to shake. Seconds later Wanda was gone, in search of Rogue.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" whispered Remy as he followed Rogue around a corner of the sub-basement. Rogue nodded as she headed towards the door of the infirmary. Sean, Moira, and Hank looked up in surprise as the door opened up to reveal Remy.

"Bonjour, mes amis. How are you fine folk doing this lovely evening?"

Sean opened his mouth to let out his signature cry when Rogue flew in and absorbed him. Moira scurried over to her medicine cabinet as Hank lunged at Rogue. The blue beast went down to the ground in a heap as Moira pulled open her cabinet. Just as she reached for a vial Remy hit her in the back of the head.

Dropping to the ground Rogue walked over to the beds and pulled back the curtains. Lying there staring back at her was the mutant X-23.

"If I wasn't paralyzed by that human doctor I'd tear your eyes out," muttered the girl darkly.

"Keep dreaming, sugar," snorted Rogue as she drained the girl. Her eyes moved over the next bed over where an unconscious Carol was still lying. Rogue moved over to Carol's side, her mind screaming out at the one who had started Rogue's new life as Sinister's lackey. Rogue raised a tentative hand into the air, reaching towards Carol's lifeless body when she was rudely interrupted.

"Alright, Sheila, I think these are the flowers the old badger hates. Heh, bet he didn't think I'd actually go out and get you some, huh?" St. John blinked in surprise as Rogue whipped around to face him. "Rogue? When did you get back?"

He rubbed the back of his head with one hand, the other holding a bouquet of flowers. His eyes landed on X-23 who was fast asleep before returning to Rogue with a wary look in them. He raised his arms in the air and began to take small steps backwards. "I didn't see anything," he vowed. Rogue smiled as Remy came up behind the Aussie and knocked him out with his bo-staff.

"I hope you're keeping track, chère, 'cause this is number eight. You owe me for doing all of this for you."

"I take it a simple thank-you won't suffice, huh?" returned Rogue with a sigh.

"Non."

"Fine, I'll think about it on the way to the second floor. Come on." Rogue led Remy out of the infirmary and down the hallway to the elevator. She pressed the button and waited as the doors slid open…and Ororo and Logan stepped out.

Four pairs of eyes blinked in surprise before Rogue and Remy took off running down the hallway. Remy sent a dark look Rogue's way. "I bet you didn' think we'd be caught by your père, non?"

"A minor setback, Swamp Rat—just follow me, I have a plan!" shot back Rogue. She chanced a glance over her shoulder in time to see Logan and Ororo hot on their heels. With a grimace Rogue ran straight towards Cerebro. With a wave of her hands the doorway slid open and Rogue and Remy shot inside. Logan and Ororo entered just as Rogue floated into the air. Remy turned to face the two X-Men with his bo-staff at the ready.

"Any time now, chérie."

Logan took a step forward. "Rogue, we need to talk."

Rogue shook her head. "Maybe some other time, sugar, I have a schedule to meet." With those words Rogue swooped down and grabbed Remy, flying out of Cerebro. With another wave of her hands she shut the doorway and dropped Remy onto his feet. The Cajun walked over to the door controls and charged it with a touch of his hand. Backing away and shielding Rogue in his arms, Remy grinned as the controls exploded, locking Ororo and Logan in Cerebro.

"Shall we try again, petite?" asked Remy motioning back towards the hallway. Rogue took one last glance at Cerebro with a frown before nodding and following Remy back over to the elevator. This time when the doors opened they were empty, allowing Rogue and Remy to step inside.

On the second floor Paige was yawning as she made her way over to the elevator. She was ready for bed, but couldn't sleep with nothing in her stomach. The doors opened with a ding, revealing Rogue and Remy leaning against opposite sides of the elevator.

"Yeah," murmured Paige with a sinking feeling in her stomach, "I knew I should have taken the stairs."

As Paige slumped to the ground in a crumpled heap, Jubilee came popping out of her room with Amanda right behind her. Both girls stopped in their tracks upon seeing Rogue and Remy stepping out of the elevator.

"You take the firecracker, and I'll take the other one," suggested Rogue as Jubilee's hands began to fizzle. Remy quickly grabbed Jubilee, and knocked her to the ground as Rogue absorbed Amanda. Unfortunately Jubilee shot at Remy using her powers and began to run in the opposite direction of the pair, shouting at the top of her lungs.

"Intruders! We've got intruders!" cried out Jubilee breathlessly.

"You had to let her get away, didn't you, Swamp Rat?" growled Rogue shooting Remy a glare.

"Hey now, she shot at me, what was I supposed to do? Take one for the team? You won't get anywhere without me, chère, remember that," muttered Remy getting back onto his feet. Rogue narrowed her eyes as she turned her attention back to the hallway, which was quickly filling up with the rest of the mutants in the mansion. "I guess we'll have to do this the hard way, Cajun. I hope you know how to move fast because we're going to need a lot of speed to get through everyone now."

"You should've drained the speedy kid then, chère. Or maybe you can find his powers in that screwed up head of yours instead so you can speed drain everyone."

"Maybe I'll drain you first." Rogue tightened her lips as she turned her attention to the mutants staring back at her. Taking a deep breath she floated into the air and shot towards her former housemates.

Fred, Forge, Danielle, and Theresa went down first—none ever realizing what was happening until it was too late. Sam was taken down next after rushing to Danielle's side, only to meet Rogue halfway. Alex and Lorna stepped into Rogue's path, Alex intent on helping Sam, while Lorna wanted to avenge Carol's condition, but Rogue absorbed them before they could even utilize their powers.

Rogue dropped back onto the ground, coming face to face with Scott. The teen leader looked angry and confused, his hands resting on his visor. "Don't make me do this, Rogue," he warned in a low tone.

"You don't know what you're up against, sugar. I'm trying to help you out…remember, I'm the only chance you've got at ever seeing Jeanie again." Rogue took advantage of the fact that Scott was distracted by the mention of Jean to reach out and touch his face as Warren came running down the hall, his wings out.

As he swooped down to attack Rogue Remy appeared in the air to knock the rich boy to the ground. Warren struggled to get to his feet as Rogue walked over and bent down beside him. "Sorry, Warren," she whispered as she touched his face. Warren's face softened with the absorption until he had passed out.

Remy regarded Rogue carefully, suspicion evident in his eyes. "Do I even want to know how come you seem to be so popular with all the guys?"

"It isn't what you think, Swamp Rat. We need to find the rest of the team. I know there are a couple of them I haven't drained yet." Rogue stood up and peered up and down the hallway carefully. Jubilee seemed to have vanished.

Remy motioned at Rogue, pointing down at one door in particular. Rogue nodded and silently made her way over to the door. Apparently Remy's years as a thief were paying off. Rogue pushed the door open and chuckled at seeing Bobby and Jubilee inside.

Bobby gulped and took a step forward to stand in front of Jubilee, extending his arms to protect her. "I'm guessing you're still pissed at me for cheating on you, huh?" he asked nervously.

"I had forgotten all about it until now. Thanks for reminding me, sugar," said Rogue reaching a hand towards Bobby just as he blasted her with ice. Rogue hit the wall with a thug, cursing aloud as the blonde teen and Jubilee sprinted out of the room. Unfortunately for them Remy was waiting. He knocked Jubilee unconscious and cornered Bobby using his bo-staff. Rogue scrambled back onto her feet and placed a hand on Bobby's face before he could use his powers again.

"Remind me not to get on your bad side, chère," muttered Remy placing his staff on his shoulders.

"Then keep your hands to yourself," replied Rogue flippantly. Remy made a face, turning as he heard a sound coming from another room. Rogue heard the sound as well and headed towards another door, cocking her ear as she stopped in front of it. There was another rustling sound and then the door flung open. The two mutants Arclight and Psylocke came out with Jason Wyngarde right behind them in his wheel chair.

Rogue and Remy glanced at each other, each thinking the same thing. This time a real battle was in the works.

Downstairs, Kurt and Mystique were sitting together in the library discussing Rogue.

"I don't understand why she had to leave," mourned Kurt. "She's an X-Man—we do things together."

Mystique sighed softly. "Rogue's powers don't enable her to trust easily. She fears what she is, and what she can do to her own friends. You and I have both been in contact with her powers…if you had them you would want to fight alone as well."

"I would not. I would want to be with the ones who could protect me."

"But who would protect you from yourself?"

Kurt fell silent, and glanced up in the doorway as Kitty entered. "Hey, have you guys seen Paige or Danielle lately?"

Mystique shook her head as Kurt answered. "No. Did you look upstairs yet? I thought they were going to bed."

Kitty shrugged. "I guess. I haven't tried very many places yet." She glanced at the shape shifter curiously. "Do you think Magneto will actually find anything out tonight?"

"It depends if anyone knows anything useful about the Hellfire Club that Xavier couldn't get out of Cerebro," replied Mystique. The group was interrupted when Wanda entered the library.

The Scarlet Witch was fuming. "We have a problem," she said curtly. "Rogue is here, and she's draining everyone in the mansion."

"What makes you say that?" asked Kurt sitting up straight.

Wanda rolled her eyes. "Three are down in the living room, three are down in the kitchen, and the Professor is out like a light in his study. She's here, but because this place is so fucking big, I haven't found her yet."

Mystique instantly got to her feet. "What can she possibly be up to by absorbing so many powers at one time?"

Her question went unanswered as a thud from up above filtered the silence of the library. Without speaking the group was running out of the library and up the stairs. Kitty gasped in surprise as she phased through Fred lying on the ground like a beached whale. Kurt and Mystique knelt down beside a couple of the students, taking note of the fact that they were all breathing, but simply unconscious for the time being.

Wanda on the other hand made her way down the hallway, stopping when she came across Philippa Sontag, Betsy, and Jason passed out on the floor. She had a feeling that Rogue had accomplished what she had come for. "We better see if Logan and Ororo are in the same condition too," stated the dark haired girl glumly. "I don't think Rogue's here anymore."

A Building Downtown

"Are you sure you want to do this, chère? You don't look so good," hissed Remy as they slipped inside a city building through an open window.

"Just two more, Remy, and then I'll call it a day."

"Almost daytime now," mumbled the Cajun glancing out at the dawn light peeking over the horizon. With a sigh he turned his attention back to Rogue and silently followed her down the hallway in search of the last two mutants they would have to deal with.

Rogue placed a finger on her lips and motioned to an open door where a bright light was spilling out. Inside a man could be heard talking on the phone.

"Yes sir, right away sir, I understand completely sir. Mr. Creed, you can trust me. I'm in charge of your campaign, remember? I've got everything under control." The man scowled as he hung up the phone. He was a tall, broad shouldered man with graying brown hair and green eyes. There was a small scar on his left cheekbone, indicating that he had seen the tides of battle before.

When the man's back was turned Rogue slipped into the office and placed a finger on his face. He slumped to the ground with a groan as Rogue backed out of the office, placing a hand on her head. A headache was beginning to form. Remy swiftly caught her, his eyes straying up to the name plate of the office door. Abraham Kieros.

"Come on, chère, just one more person to go," whispered Remy wrapping an arm around the southern girl's waist. Rogue nodded absently and the pair began to make their way down the hallway in search of another office.

This one belonged to one Autumn Rolfson, a young up and comer in the Food for the Poor charity sponsored by Graydon Creed. She had dark red hair cropped close to her head and bright blue eyes, but she looked sickly thin. The college aged girl was singing to herself, listening away at her iPod when Rogue slipped into the room and drained her.

"Oof." Remy fell to the ground as Rogue collapsed in her arms. Her forehead was tinged with sweat. Struggling onto his feet, Remy scooped Rogue into his arms and headed for the nearest exit.

Outside the building he leaned closer to Rogue's mouth to hear what she was saying. "We can't go back to the Hellfire Club, Remy…they can't see me like this…please…we…have to…" Rogue fell into unconsciousness as Remy shifted her in his arms.

"S'alright chère, I know where we can go," murmured the Cajun softly.

Hours Later

Rogue groaned in pain as Remy lowered her onto the bed. They were currently holing up in a small hotel room until Rogue could recover from the overexertion of her powers. The southern girl shivered as she reached for the covers on the bed, wrapping them around her body.

"I'm going to make that Apocalypse fellow pay for making me do all this," muttered Rogue as Remy sank down onto the side of the bed beside her. "Why couldn't he just have a damn key like everyone else to unlock him?"

Remy chuckled wryly. "I don't think they had keys back in ancient times, chère."

"Stupid cavemen." Rogue tightened the covers around her body and glanced at Remy cautiously. "Remy, I haven't borrowed your powers yet…and I'm going to have to borrow them before we go after Apocalypse."

"I know. I've been bracing myself for a draining. After watching everyone else go down today, I'm not exactly looking forward to it."

"What about me? Whoever said I wanted a Swamp Rat inside my head?" demanded Rogue, her green eyes flashing in anger.

Remy chuckled as he turned to face Rogue. "Well, fine then, chère, if I'm going down, then I'm going down in style."

Before Rogue could get a word in edgewise Remy leaned over and captured Rogue's lips with his own. Rogue stifled back an angry outburst as she felt her powers kick in. Several seconds later the pair were both unconscious on the bed.

At The Same Time

Phoenix paced back and forth in front of Sinister, her lips set in a thin line. "I don't trust her. She's up to something—and letting Apocalypse loose isn't part of it!"

"Unless you have something more than a feeling to go on, Phoenix, I am inclined to wait for Rogue to unleash Apocalypse. Besides, whoever said the girl would survive what it will take to set Apocalypse free? For all you know she'll be dead before our master even sets foot out of his tomb," said Sinister from his seat. He was still weary from the draining he had undergone hours ago. Everyone was. Emma's screams of outrage had woken the entire Club up.

"Then she better die letting our master loose, because I will kill her if she survives," vowed Phoenix darkly. "You don't understand how much of a threat that girl will be if she lives."

Sinister nodded in understanding. "I know all too well what type of threat she will pose should she live. You have my permission to kill her the moment Apocalypse has awaken."

Phoenix stopped pacing and turned her back on Sinister, an evil smile on her face. "Good. Now I think I will gather Sabertooth, Lady Deathstrike, and Mesmero. We have the Four Horsemen to catch."

A/N: As of June 21, 2007, this chapter has been revised.