31.
Warning: Manipulations, breakdowns and a glimpse of 'the other side' of the Rogue/ Jean/ Scott saga.
Trigger warnings for self-harm, bullying and suicide-attempts. No attempts made, more a reflection on past events.
There was a concert that night and everyone was going. Jean and Scott had decided to make it their first date. Kitty and Kurt teased them good-naturedly.
Meanwhile, Risty had insisted that Rogue not stay in on a Friday night, stating simply, "We deserve some fun."
For Rogue's part, she had no plans. Gus had said he wasn't available anyway, leaving her with little else to do but feel sorry for herself. Something she was tired of doing, lately.
She'd been having a little trouble with her powers of late. Headaches, lapse of concentration, acting on the autopilot.
Gus had mentioned she'd been different. "It's exciting." He said. "I never know who you're going to be."
She frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"
He gave a look. "Some nights, it's like you're all sweet and shy, others, you like to be in charge. I like it."
He gave her no time to think it over, curious to find out which 'one' she would be today...
She thought about it later and she realised, It bothered her. How could she be different people? She wasn't a shape-shifter. She couldn't change herself into different people. She thought back to the thing with Scott and the badminton game? Yes, she had been aggressive, but that wasn't her, right? Besides, all she could remember was being focused on the game. Her hand-eye coordination had been on-point. She doubted anyone would believe her, though. They would think she acted deliberately.
It sickened her to be accused like that. It hurt too. It hurt so much that they thought so little of her. She'd been through something like this before. People she knew had turned against her at the word of another. They'd believed the lies and the manipulation. Only this time, it was as though her mind had been taken over by someone without her consent. Someone was taking residence in her body, taking it over. Forcing her to act out, preventing her from speaking out.
Stopping her from making conscious decisions.
Taking over her free will.
She'd been down this road before, isolated, alone and terrified. Back then, she thought the only way to make it all stop, was to end her life. Not by stabbing herself or slitting her wrists, nothing so outlandish. She'd taken an overdose. It had nearly been successful...
She told herself she wasn't that same person anymore. She wasn't that low. But with the way things were at the moment, it was difficult to be convincing. Even to herself.
XxX
She was dreaming again after talking with Kitty. No, not talking, listening. Kitty was going on about something that happened at school. Kitty's voice was repetitive. It couldn't be shut out.
Later that night, she found she phased through the mattress. The springs had pierced her body, missing essential organs and she'd found it hard to breathe.
Logan had been doing one of his checks and had found her before she'd bled out or her breath had been cut off. He'd destroyed the mattress before getting Kitty to phase her out. She spent the remainder of the night and day in the med-bay.
XxX
A week later, she was thinking about something Kurt was saying and later teleported into the Danger Room, triggering the automated sensors and setting the programme to one of Logan's by default. It was a way to trap and punish any would be invaders. It featured several of their opponents, including one of the sentinels.
While she wasn't consciously acknowledging the powers from the 'psyches', she would only be compos mentis after the fact, leaving her vulnerable.
XxX
But none of that mattered for tonight was time for fun.
She'd dressed with her usual care, covering up any inch of skin. It really wasn't easy protecting others from your own self.
Risty had insisted on collecting her early to grab dinner, before appearing 'fashionably late', meaning they'd be the last to arrive.
There was something different about Risty. She was caring but in a way that was almost maternal. But that wasn't possible. Risty was her friend, nothing more.
The concert was already crowded and Risty insisted on moving closer, despite the limited space.
The lead singer was cute in a scruffy way. "Makes a change from the clean-look you normally go for?"
She frowned. Clean? As in wholesome? Cody was a good boy. He loved his family and she hurt him. Cody's memories were running on a constant loop. He loved her so much and she destroyed him. Her curse had robbed him of his essence, rendering him comatose...
She shook her head as she didn't want to think of that. She felt eyes on her and met Jean Grey's sympathetic ones. Why the hell does she have to look at me? She should be focusing on Scott! He was hers now.
Unbeknownst to Rogue, Jean and Scott had been warned off by Logan and the Professor. Both men had talked to them about the whole issue. The couple hadn't realised how their inaction regarding the decision to date each other, had caused such trauma and drama.
"We would have never..." Jean's voice haltered in the face of Logan and Charles' assessing eyes.
"We know that. But Rogue's going through a pile of pain right now. You're too late to explain. The moments gone." Logan's gruff voice was firm.
"Is there something we can do to make up for this mess?"
Even Charles' usual civilised manner was clipped. "Just let her alone. That's an order. We don't need you winding her up more."
XxX
Logan waited until they were alone before talking. "She's heading for a breakdown Charles. Any day and she'll snap."
"I should have done something sooner. I allowed her to grow distant and now we're at a disadvantage. She no longer trusts us."
"What do you think will happen when she does snap?"
"What do you mean?"
"Charles we all care for her but we have to think about the potential effects for the other students."
Charles frowned as he acknowledged his friend's warning. "Do you mean to say you think she'll be a danger to them?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. She may be more of a danger to herself. But these questions have to be asked Charles. We need to know what the plan is."
"If she does break, then she'll receive all the care she needs. Whatever it takes."
XxX
The trouble with wearing too many layers was that inevitably, you got too hot and couldn't remove any.
It was even more crowded at the front. Risty must be out of her mind to want to be here! Especially since she knew about her powers. If Rogue was paranoid, she would say it was because Risty wanted something to happen. An event to be triggered. But that was ridiculous, wasn't it?
Well Rogue didn't want any part of it. The music was too loud, the crowds were overwhelming and she was sick of people treading on her and 'accidentally' pulling at her clothes. She turned to Risty, motioning the side exit when someone lunged forward, nearly knocking her to the floor and grabbing her sleeve for some kind of support.
The sleeve ripped, revealing the bare skin underneath. The toxic skin that was always primed to absorb the memories of strangers.
It was Cody all over again!
She had to get out.
But not before colliding with others, taking their memories and secrets. All the things she'd never associate with that person, not for any reason.
She was almost to the door when she realised some memories weren't so unfamiliar. She'd felt that rage, seen the pain caused by others and to others.
Now she saw the steps taken to ensure an accident putting some woman in a coma. No, not some woman. She knew her...
The fresh air was strong on her face, exonerating her sins, but someone called out.
"Rogue!"
The girl felt a strange calm descend. Apathy. For the woman in front of her. The woman that had used, schemed and manipulated and was ready for more.
Mystique followed her out, clad in her 'Risty' form.
"Back off, Mystique."
"Please, let me explain."
"I don't want to hear what you have to say. Not after what you did to Carole."
"That wasn't me..."
"Bullshit. Every word that comes out of your mouth is a lie. You've cheated, manipulated and abused us all, yet that's not enough. What was the plan Mystique?"
"Irene was having visions about you. She's seen you're in danger."
"And you decided to come and help? You? What's the matter Mystique? You've screwed everyone over and now you have to make some story up?"
"It's not a lie. She's worried for you. I'm worried for you!"
"No, you don't care. You never cared. If you did, you would have used this time to get close to Kurt. Remember, he's your son? Surely he should matter more to you than anyone else in the world."
"Please, calm down, people will hear..."
"Now you care? What's the matter Mystique? Are you frightened that people will find out what an evil, manipulative bitch you are?"
"Hey, what's going on out here?"
Mystique lunged forward, grabbing Rogue's arm as the security stepped out of the building.
Her tone was even as she addressed the third party. "My friend's not feeling too well. I'm taking her home."
But Rogue had had enough and wrestled against her captor. She snarled "Get your hands off me."
Rogue felt the rage strike as she forcibly pushed Mystique back against the wall. She didn't hang around to hear what would be said.
XxX
The minute Rogue's powers were activated; Logan was out looking for her. He'd known something like this would happen sooner or later. By the time he reached the club, Rogue was long gone.
The concert was running over its timeframe. Scott and Jean had noted there was a struggle up front but not who was involved. It had been a while since they saw Rogue. Or Risty.
Logan caught the mix of scents and knew there wasn't much time. He spoke to Charles via his communicator, "Looks like she's taken off. Let me know if she gets home."
"What about the others?"
"This isn't a group mission Chuck. Whatever's spooked Rogue is going to have consequences. I'll let you know when I find her."
He rang off and continued to follow her lingering scent. It had been diluted by the salt from her tears.
XxX
The students knew something was up but the instructors had closed ranks. No level of entreaty was taking effect.
Logan returned in the late hours and had been situated in Charles' office ever since.
Kurt was summoned to the office, where he found the Professor.
"Please, sit Kurt."
"Vhat is this about Professor?"
"I thought it best to tell you that we have discovered Mystique's whereabouts. It appears she's been masquerading as a girl called Risty Wild. I understand she's a friend of yours?"
"Vhat?" Kurt didn't want to believe it, nor could he let himself consider the implications.
"You'll understand that she can no longer be allowed to visit and I'm sure Mystique will have dropped the facade by now."
"How did you find this out, Professor?"
"It's not important."
"Vhere's Rogue?"
"She's safe. She's not ready to see anyone at the moment."
"But vhy?"
"I'll leave it to you if you wish to tell everyone else about Risty. If not, I will mention it later today."
Kurt had the feeling he was being dismissed