Sins of the Mother
By Erica DeTraglia
Email: nbcgrl13@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I do not own X-men or any other affiliations. I do own Annika though, please do not use her unless asking me first. :) Thanks. The song used is by the Coors and they own it and so does anyone else who worked on it.
This came to me after watching this weekend's episode of X-men: Evolution. I hope you like it. Comments are ALWAYS welcome. I only know little of the history of X-men so any clarifications that will help are also appreciated. Also, remember this is in their universe so I am going by what I know from the show, which I have not yet seen all the eps. So, enjoy the story.
May 11, 2001
Kurt sat in class, spacing out across the school's lawn. His criminal law teacher, Mrs. Purdy, a five foot seven butch ex-cop from the Bronx woman, spoke about abandoned children and the process of using DNA to identify possible parents.
"DNA if you have it, is the best identifier. It can tell you whether a suspect is the biological parent or not. These simple yet very expensive tests are used in paternity cases too."
Kurt phased out thinking about Mystique. It was a cruel joke he kept thinking, but he couldn't deny the resemblance. She had blue skin and yellow eyes just like him, and his transportation ability is classified under the morphing category in the Professor's mutant database. Mystique could morph and it sent a chill down his spine. When she told him that she was his mother, she had the nerve to look hurt and loving right before her gang jumped him. The bell rang and Kurt wiped a tear from his eyes. He was getting up when Mrs. Purdy walked up to him, "Kurt? Is there a problem? You didn't hear a word I said and usually you eat this material up."
Kurt shrugged, "Family problem, dat's all."
Mrs. Purdy sat down in the desk next to Kurt, "Anything you'd like to talk about?"
Kurt shook his head, "Nein. I'm fine." Mrs. Purdy went to touch his arm but Kurt flinched back, "I'm sorry Mrs. Purdy, you're a nice lady, but I don't like to be touched."
Mrs. Purdy sighed and gave Kurt a sad look, "Humans need contact Kurt." She reached in her pocket and took out a card, "This is my office and home number, if you ever need to talk to anyone. You are a bright student with great survival skills. I can tell by the answers you give on your tests and class. I'd hate to see you hurt and get lost down the long road to a disappointing life just because you have problems and no one to vent too."
Kurt took the card and smiled, "Danke, I'll be fine Mrs. P. I just need to think it over and deal vith it."
Mrs. Purdy smiled, "OK, Kurt. I just hope you know that I'll be expecting your full attention for tomorrow's class?"
Kurt nodded, "Ja, ja."
She giggled, "OK, get out of here or you'll be late for lunch."
Kurt threw his bag over his shoulder and walked out of the room.
Annika was waiting outside the classroom, reading a book for her English class. Kurt saw her and smiled. 'Humans need contact Kurt.' Mrs. Purdy had said. He walked up to Annika and hugged her tight, crushing her book to her chest, "Hi." She said the best she could as Charles Dickens' stabbed her in the chest. Kurt pulled away, "Hi."
"What's up?"
Kurt took her hand and led her to the lunchroom, "I had an incident with Mystique the other day. She told me she was my mother."
Annika stopped in mid-stride, "Your mother? But why does she..."
Kurt touched her lips, "Not now. I don't vant to talk about it. I just vant to get through dis day and have a nice relaxing weekend."
Annika nodded, kissing Kurt's finger, "OK."
After school........
Rogue stepped into the Professor's office and sat down in one of the chairs. The Professor turned, "Yes Rogue, you wanted to see me?"
"Ya, Professor. I'm still having the dream about Kurt and Mystique. It won't leave my head. And I've been seeing other things too. I have touched many people since my mutant powers decided to surface and I have never had this before. I don't know if it's my dreams or the link I once had with Mystique but I feel connected to her in some way."
The Professor wheeled to Rogue, "What exactly do you want me to do?"
"I think Mystique's thoughts are still in me head. I was wondering if you could see them and maybe find out why they won't leave?"
The Professor nodded, "I'll try. Relax." He placed his hands close to her head and Rogue closed her eyes.
*FLASH*
1983
Mystique laughed and extended her arms. A child, no more than a year old, waddled over to her mother's awaiting arms. The little girl with deep green eyes, pale skin, red hair with a streak of white in it squealed with laughter as her mother twirled her around. A woman walked out with a cane, carrying a tray of lemonade. Her shades hid the milky white eyes of Irene's blindness. She found a chair and sat down, "Are you coming?"
Mystique smiled, "Yes. Come Marie."
She sat down and helped the child drink the tart lemonade. Marie made a face and chuckled, "So, Irene can you see my daughter's future?"
Irene nodded, "She will be a mutant, with the ability to absorb peoples thoughts, powers, and such."
Mystique frowned, "If only there was a way to stop this from happening."
"You cannot stop it but you can help her by keeping her safe, just as you have been doing so. She will always have a happy home with me if you ever need it."
Mystique nodded, "Thanks. I hope I have better luck with this child," she finished rubbing her stomach.
"I cannot tell it is too early. I do see it as a mistake working for that Magneto guy. He only spells trouble."
Mystique waved her hand, "You worry too much. He has promised me that he can help my baby with DNA work. I hope little Marie will be the only mutant child I bring into this world." She petted the child's head as Marie attempted to drink the lemonade again. "Can she.."
Irene cut her off, "Of course. No need taking a child all the way to Germany. I'll get my cousin Josie to stay with me so this little one won't walk off on me."
*FLASH*
8 Months Later..Summer of 1984
"Push," the magnetic voice commanded. After months of DNA work and gene therapy, Mystique couldn't wait to see her new baby's, her son's, face. She gave one last push and he heard him scream. "Excellent." Magneto said, taking the child to be cleaned up.
Mystique, shivering from shock and still bleeding, got up. Something wasn't right. "Let me see my baby."
He didn't turn. She got off the bed and wrapped herself in a cloak. She looked at the baby. It was deformed. It had her skin color, but it also had a tail and her yellow eyes. She screamed and pushed Magneto away, "What have you done to him?!" She grabbed the baby.
Magneto answered, "I have enhanced his mutant genes. He will have twice the power of a regular mutant. He will be my second-in-command in the fight against humankind.
Mystique screamed and ran as fast as she could through the forest. A pack of wolves followed her to a rickety bridge. She tried to keep her balance but she fell, dropping the baby into the river. She saw Magneto come towards her, "Why?"
He didn't answer and she jumped off the bridge herself, trying to follow her baby.
The next morning, coughing and exhausted, she looked over a rock, to see her baby in arms of a stranger. She wanted to run right up to the man, strike him down, and take her baby. Something stopped her though. What life could she give him? What life would he have as long as Magneto knew he was alive? She felt weak and hurt all over. She noticed a river of red fluid run past her. She looked down and saw blood seeping from her groin. She got out of the river and ran until the bleeding stopped her. She passed out, hoping death would come to her, ending this misery.
She was not that lucky, she awoke back in the castle. Magneto was above her, floating, "That was a stupid thing you did. Not only did we lose a valuable member but also you destroyed your uterus. You did not push out the afterbirth and it ruptured. You will never be able to have another child. You are a fool, Mystique. When we are through, go home. I will summon you later. You owe me for saving your life." He left and Mystique turned onto her side and cried.
*FLASH*
A month later.....
Mississippi
Irene smiled, "Marie? Who is that?"
Little Marie, almost two years old, looked at the door and squealed, "Mama!"
Mystique picked her up, hugging her daughter close. Marie looked at her mother and then looked around, "Baby?"
She shook her head, "No, baby."
Marie stuck her lower lip out in a pout, "It's ok, mamma. I'll be baby."
She hugged again before letting her go with Josie out to play. She sat by Irene, "You were right about him."
Irene reached her arms out and Mystique let Irene hold her, "I just sold the souls of my children and myself to the devil."
Irene caressed the weeping woman in her arms, "No, you can always change."
Mystique looked at her blind friend, "He can never know that my baby lived or Marie exists. She can never know that I exist."
Irene nodded, "I know. After you left I had a vision of what might happen to you. I hoped it was wrong."
Mystique cried again, "The next time he calls me to come to him will be the last time Marie will have a mother. I have to distance myself from her. When her mutant powers surface, call me and I'll make sure she will be in good hands."
Irene nodded, "Yes. For now, let us be happy that you are home. Spend as much time as you can with Marie so she knows her mother loved her. It is going to be very important later in her life. When the time is close for her powers to form, I'll take her to my cabin in the swamps. No one lives there."
*FLASH*
Rogue gasped and jerked back, "How is that possible?!"
The Professor shook his head, "It seems the memories you hold stayed in your head due to some biological link."
"But, Mystique tried to kill me. How can she be the loving mother I just saw?!"
"Magneto has punished her many times over the years. I, myself, have seen him punish her. She has grown cold and unemotional to survive. When you betrayed her, she was hurt beyond belief. It seems we must converse with Kurt."
Rogue let out a sigh, "I have a brother. The little elf is my brother. I always knew we were close but I just thought is was because of our outcast background."
The Professor smiled, "Shall I tell him?"
"No, I want too. I know how to do it."
The Professor nodded, "As you wish, but if you need any help don't hesitate to ask me for any assistance."
Rogue gave the Professor a smile, "ya, like you won't be eavesdropping on us anyway."
The Professor raised his eyebrow, but Marie left before he could protest.
Kurt and Annika drove up to the Institute. Annika had raised enough money with her job at the bowling alley to finally buy a used 1997 Honda Civic. She had taught Kurt to drive and he passed his test the first time. So, now they take turns driving it. Kurt was in such a grumpy mood, Annika let him drive home. "So, you vant popcorn or something for a snack vhile we do our homevork?"
"Kurt, are you feeling ok, it's Friday! I don't want to do homework."
Kurt hit his head, "Ja, sorry. I forgot vhat day it is."
Annika smiled, "But the popcorn does sound good."
Kurt smiled and they walked to the kitchen. After a couple hours of eating popcorn, having a popcorn fight with Evans and Kitty, cleaning it up after Oroco saw the mess, and dinnertime, Kurt was in a better mood. He waved to Annika as she drove home. As soon as she left, he started to feel bad again. That sickening feeling deep in his gut. He bamfed to his room and sat on the bed. He grabbed a pillow and fell back on the bed. He turned over and noticed an envelope on the floor, just like the one Quicksilver left from Mystique. He quickly stood up on the bed, looking around for any signs of a disturbance. Nothing. He slowly crawled off the bed and stood above the envelope. What could be in this one? He thought. I don't think my heart could take it. Against his better judgment, he picked up the envelope. He opened the seal and took out a tiny bound book. It looked like a dairy, with a golden lock on the side. It had hearts and daisies on the cover, worn from use. He felt something fall from the envelope and caught it in his hands, "A key?"
He sat down, Indian-style, on the floor, and opening the diary he saw post-it on the first page, "Read the highlighted parts only."
A strange request he thought but obeyed. He read:
"June 1992
My life sucks. Irene is a great mom but I miss having a mom and a dad. I wish I had a little brother or sister to talk too. I'm so lonely living out here in the boondocks of the swamp. I need to know. Was I a disappointment? Why did they leave me?"
He frowned. He knew how this Marie felt. To be abandoned and alone. It did suck. He too wished to have a sister or brother just like him to talk too. He turned a few pages until the next highlighted area:
"2001
Dear Diary. I'm mutant. That's right a freak! This is why my parents left me. They knew I was diseased. They knew I would never be able to touch another human being without absorbing their very thoughts and life force. I'm truly alone. There are other mutants, I meet a few of them tonight. Yet, they could never know the pain I feel. Never know my desire to hug or touch someone without wincing and passing out. I'm Rogue now, and so diary...I am no longer Marie. I am the Rogue."
Kurt looked up, expecting Rogue to be there, but she wasn't. Why was she having him read this diary. What was the point? He shrugged and continued with this apparent joke on him.
"Hi
Guess what? I finally have a friend here. His name is Kurt Wagner and he is a cute furry elf. No, seriously. I was freaked out about his looks at first, but then I realized that he knew how I feel to the outcast. He's always afraid that someone will touch him and notice the fur hidden by the hologram we wears and I'm afraid I will touch someone and they'll pass out. We started talking and we just click. This is more than a boyfriend/girlfriend bond...it only feels like family. I'll never tell any of them, but I think of Kurt as the little brother I never had."
Kurt couldn't help but smile. He knew the feeling Rogue was talking about in the diary. He too felt a bond between them. He too considered her to be the big sister he never had in his life. They knew each other so well and it hurt when she went with Mystique at first. He turned more pages, worried. He was running out of pages. What could Rogue want him to get out of this weird game?
"Nightmares suck..other people's nightmares suck even more. For the past week, I have been having nightmares about Mystique. The Professor said it is a memory. In these dreams, I found out that Mystique is Kurt's mom. The Professor said it wasn't certain, and I even told Kurt that it wasn't true, but I felt everything she did that fatal night. Kurt is her son and she regrets leaving him. I don't have the heart to tell him it's true and that his mother loved him enough to let him go. I just hope when I find my mom, I find out she loved me that much too."
Kurt wiped his eye. So, it was true. He didn't know whether to jump for joy or cry in agony. He turned the last page of the diary to read the last high lightened page:
"I'm still having these dreams. I went to the professor today and he told me a lot about what they mean. We went through all the memories that Mystique left in me. That's why diary this is my last entry into this book. It's time to start a new branch of my life. A new family bond. Thanks for being there. You and Kurt always were. Rogue."
Kurt flipped through some blank pages, "That's it?!" He felt cheated someway. What did the Professor tell her? He had to talk to her. He opened his door to find Rogue waiting at the door, "Vhat does this mean?"
Rogue walked into the room and out onto the balcony. Kurt followed her and leaned against the railing, "Rogue?"
She smiled at him, tears in her eyes, as she pulled a book from behind her back. It was a simple black book, no bigger than a notebook. She handed it to Kurt. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow and opened it, "Read it out loud Kurt."
Kurt nodded and read, "Hello, my name is the Rogue. I have been mutant for a few years now. I just found out that the one guy I connect with as a secret past. Our sorta enemy in this world of Westchester County, is his mother.
What's even stranger, is that the little brother I always wanted was right in front of me. I went to the Professor today to sort out some memories left by Mystique when I encountered her. To my shock and horror, I found out that not only is she Kurt's mother, but she is my mother too." Kurt jumped back, "Vaht?"
Rogue nodded, "Keep reading."
"And just like Kurt, she loved me so much she let me go. To hide me from Magneto's grip. I have a mother. I have a little brother. This is a new branch of my life. I hope my brother Kurt will help me fill this book with great memories to make everyone jealous. I think we deserve it. It's the outcasts' turn to shine."
Kurt stopped, crying. Rogue, crying too said, "Kurt, my little blue brother, will you help me?"
Kurt wiped his nose on his sleeve. He nodded, carefully hugging Rogue, where she was covered completely. She cried and hugged him back. She was being touched and loved. Kurt pulled away and smiled, "Vell, you sure know how to drop the bomb on someone, ja?"
Rogue smiled, "Ya, well, it's my charm. She really does love us."
"Then why did she leave?"
Rogue extended her gloved hand, "I'll tell you everything I know."
Kurt looking at her hand, smiled, tucked the book under one arm, and took her hand, "Lead the way, sis."
Monday morning..............
Mystique walked into her office as Principal of the school and sat down. The secretary brought her coffee and the mail. She also opened the curtains and turned on the local radio station. The woman left. Mystique flipped through mail to see a hallmark greeting card envelope. She furrowed her brow and opened it. A picture fell out. When Mystique looked at it she froze. It was a picture of Kurt and Rogue waving at the camera, smiling. She noticed she was smiling too. She caressed the picture trying to feel their faces. She looked at the card, it said in big loud bright colors: "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!" She opened the card to find writing.
"We know it's a day late but it's better late than never.
Guess you know whom this is from
But you'll never guess how much love it's bringing to you.
We knew what you went through and the sacrifices you made,
We just hope one day we can be the family we were meant to be.
Love
Kurt and Marie
PS- Listen to the radio around 8am."
Mystique swallowed the lump in her throat to stop herself from crying. She turned her chair to the window, holding the card and photograph to her chest. She listened to the radio. It was almost 8am. She didn't know what to expect until she heard the DJ say,
"This is a belated Mother's Day send out from Kurt and Marie to their mom. We love you. Ahh isn't that sweet. Here's their request, All the Love in the World by the Coors."
Mystique listened to the song, smiling at the words:
I'm not looking for someone to talk to
I've got my friend, I'm more than O.K.
I've got more than a girl could wish for
I live my dreams but it's not all they say
Still I believe (I'm missing) I'm missing something real
I need someone who really sees me...
(Don't wanna wake...) Don't wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
All I need is to know it's for sure
Then I'll give... all the love in the world
I've often wondered if love's an illusion
Just to get you through the loneliest days
I can't criticize it
I have no hesitation
My imagination just stole me away
(Still...) Still I believe
(I'm missing) I'm missing something real
I need someone who really sees me...
(Don't wanna wake...) Don't wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
All I need is to know it's for sure
Then I'll give... all the love in the world
Love's for a lifetime not for a moment
So how could I throw it away
Yeah I'm only human
And nights grow colder
With no-one to love me that way
Yeah I need someone who really sees me...
(Don't wanna wake...) And I won't wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
You'll reach for me and I'll know it's for sure
Then I'll give all the love in the world
(Don't wanna wake up alone anymore...)
She got up and left the off as the song ended. She was making her rounds around the school when she saw Kurt and her Marie walking towards her. They were talking and laughing and didn't see her. She wanted to tell them she loved them too. That she missed them and wished she could have been there, but Magneto had made her a hard cold-hearted person. Unfortunately, Rogue saw that anger firsthand. She looked down as she walked until she felt something. She looked up to see Rogue walk by her on the left and Kurt on the right, they squeezed her hands quickly and walked off as if the exchange never happened. She turned and saw them smile at her before running to catch up with the rest of the X-men group. She looked at her hands. She felt Kurt's fuzzy hand and Marie's gloved hand as if they still were there. She was about to go after them when Magneto summoned her. She had to block them out again. He couldn't know, they were still in danger. "Someday," she whispered to her children as the walked off.
Kurt and Rogue looked at each other and smiled. Outcasts, no more, they were family.
The End
By Erica DeTraglia
Email: nbcgrl13@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I do not own X-men or any other affiliations. I do own Annika though, please do not use her unless asking me first. :) Thanks. The song used is by the Coors and they own it and so does anyone else who worked on it.
This came to me after watching this weekend's episode of X-men: Evolution. I hope you like it. Comments are ALWAYS welcome. I only know little of the history of X-men so any clarifications that will help are also appreciated. Also, remember this is in their universe so I am going by what I know from the show, which I have not yet seen all the eps. So, enjoy the story.
May 11, 2001
Kurt sat in class, spacing out across the school's lawn. His criminal law teacher, Mrs. Purdy, a five foot seven butch ex-cop from the Bronx woman, spoke about abandoned children and the process of using DNA to identify possible parents.
"DNA if you have it, is the best identifier. It can tell you whether a suspect is the biological parent or not. These simple yet very expensive tests are used in paternity cases too."
Kurt phased out thinking about Mystique. It was a cruel joke he kept thinking, but he couldn't deny the resemblance. She had blue skin and yellow eyes just like him, and his transportation ability is classified under the morphing category in the Professor's mutant database. Mystique could morph and it sent a chill down his spine. When she told him that she was his mother, she had the nerve to look hurt and loving right before her gang jumped him. The bell rang and Kurt wiped a tear from his eyes. He was getting up when Mrs. Purdy walked up to him, "Kurt? Is there a problem? You didn't hear a word I said and usually you eat this material up."
Kurt shrugged, "Family problem, dat's all."
Mrs. Purdy sat down in the desk next to Kurt, "Anything you'd like to talk about?"
Kurt shook his head, "Nein. I'm fine." Mrs. Purdy went to touch his arm but Kurt flinched back, "I'm sorry Mrs. Purdy, you're a nice lady, but I don't like to be touched."
Mrs. Purdy sighed and gave Kurt a sad look, "Humans need contact Kurt." She reached in her pocket and took out a card, "This is my office and home number, if you ever need to talk to anyone. You are a bright student with great survival skills. I can tell by the answers you give on your tests and class. I'd hate to see you hurt and get lost down the long road to a disappointing life just because you have problems and no one to vent too."
Kurt took the card and smiled, "Danke, I'll be fine Mrs. P. I just need to think it over and deal vith it."
Mrs. Purdy smiled, "OK, Kurt. I just hope you know that I'll be expecting your full attention for tomorrow's class?"
Kurt nodded, "Ja, ja."
She giggled, "OK, get out of here or you'll be late for lunch."
Kurt threw his bag over his shoulder and walked out of the room.
Annika was waiting outside the classroom, reading a book for her English class. Kurt saw her and smiled. 'Humans need contact Kurt.' Mrs. Purdy had said. He walked up to Annika and hugged her tight, crushing her book to her chest, "Hi." She said the best she could as Charles Dickens' stabbed her in the chest. Kurt pulled away, "Hi."
"What's up?"
Kurt took her hand and led her to the lunchroom, "I had an incident with Mystique the other day. She told me she was my mother."
Annika stopped in mid-stride, "Your mother? But why does she..."
Kurt touched her lips, "Not now. I don't vant to talk about it. I just vant to get through dis day and have a nice relaxing weekend."
Annika nodded, kissing Kurt's finger, "OK."
After school........
Rogue stepped into the Professor's office and sat down in one of the chairs. The Professor turned, "Yes Rogue, you wanted to see me?"
"Ya, Professor. I'm still having the dream about Kurt and Mystique. It won't leave my head. And I've been seeing other things too. I have touched many people since my mutant powers decided to surface and I have never had this before. I don't know if it's my dreams or the link I once had with Mystique but I feel connected to her in some way."
The Professor wheeled to Rogue, "What exactly do you want me to do?"
"I think Mystique's thoughts are still in me head. I was wondering if you could see them and maybe find out why they won't leave?"
The Professor nodded, "I'll try. Relax." He placed his hands close to her head and Rogue closed her eyes.
*FLASH*
1983
Mystique laughed and extended her arms. A child, no more than a year old, waddled over to her mother's awaiting arms. The little girl with deep green eyes, pale skin, red hair with a streak of white in it squealed with laughter as her mother twirled her around. A woman walked out with a cane, carrying a tray of lemonade. Her shades hid the milky white eyes of Irene's blindness. She found a chair and sat down, "Are you coming?"
Mystique smiled, "Yes. Come Marie."
She sat down and helped the child drink the tart lemonade. Marie made a face and chuckled, "So, Irene can you see my daughter's future?"
Irene nodded, "She will be a mutant, with the ability to absorb peoples thoughts, powers, and such."
Mystique frowned, "If only there was a way to stop this from happening."
"You cannot stop it but you can help her by keeping her safe, just as you have been doing so. She will always have a happy home with me if you ever need it."
Mystique nodded, "Thanks. I hope I have better luck with this child," she finished rubbing her stomach.
"I cannot tell it is too early. I do see it as a mistake working for that Magneto guy. He only spells trouble."
Mystique waved her hand, "You worry too much. He has promised me that he can help my baby with DNA work. I hope little Marie will be the only mutant child I bring into this world." She petted the child's head as Marie attempted to drink the lemonade again. "Can she.."
Irene cut her off, "Of course. No need taking a child all the way to Germany. I'll get my cousin Josie to stay with me so this little one won't walk off on me."
*FLASH*
8 Months Later..Summer of 1984
"Push," the magnetic voice commanded. After months of DNA work and gene therapy, Mystique couldn't wait to see her new baby's, her son's, face. She gave one last push and he heard him scream. "Excellent." Magneto said, taking the child to be cleaned up.
Mystique, shivering from shock and still bleeding, got up. Something wasn't right. "Let me see my baby."
He didn't turn. She got off the bed and wrapped herself in a cloak. She looked at the baby. It was deformed. It had her skin color, but it also had a tail and her yellow eyes. She screamed and pushed Magneto away, "What have you done to him?!" She grabbed the baby.
Magneto answered, "I have enhanced his mutant genes. He will have twice the power of a regular mutant. He will be my second-in-command in the fight against humankind.
Mystique screamed and ran as fast as she could through the forest. A pack of wolves followed her to a rickety bridge. She tried to keep her balance but she fell, dropping the baby into the river. She saw Magneto come towards her, "Why?"
He didn't answer and she jumped off the bridge herself, trying to follow her baby.
The next morning, coughing and exhausted, she looked over a rock, to see her baby in arms of a stranger. She wanted to run right up to the man, strike him down, and take her baby. Something stopped her though. What life could she give him? What life would he have as long as Magneto knew he was alive? She felt weak and hurt all over. She noticed a river of red fluid run past her. She looked down and saw blood seeping from her groin. She got out of the river and ran until the bleeding stopped her. She passed out, hoping death would come to her, ending this misery.
She was not that lucky, she awoke back in the castle. Magneto was above her, floating, "That was a stupid thing you did. Not only did we lose a valuable member but also you destroyed your uterus. You did not push out the afterbirth and it ruptured. You will never be able to have another child. You are a fool, Mystique. When we are through, go home. I will summon you later. You owe me for saving your life." He left and Mystique turned onto her side and cried.
*FLASH*
A month later.....
Mississippi
Irene smiled, "Marie? Who is that?"
Little Marie, almost two years old, looked at the door and squealed, "Mama!"
Mystique picked her up, hugging her daughter close. Marie looked at her mother and then looked around, "Baby?"
She shook her head, "No, baby."
Marie stuck her lower lip out in a pout, "It's ok, mamma. I'll be baby."
She hugged again before letting her go with Josie out to play. She sat by Irene, "You were right about him."
Irene reached her arms out and Mystique let Irene hold her, "I just sold the souls of my children and myself to the devil."
Irene caressed the weeping woman in her arms, "No, you can always change."
Mystique looked at her blind friend, "He can never know that my baby lived or Marie exists. She can never know that I exist."
Irene nodded, "I know. After you left I had a vision of what might happen to you. I hoped it was wrong."
Mystique cried again, "The next time he calls me to come to him will be the last time Marie will have a mother. I have to distance myself from her. When her mutant powers surface, call me and I'll make sure she will be in good hands."
Irene nodded, "Yes. For now, let us be happy that you are home. Spend as much time as you can with Marie so she knows her mother loved her. It is going to be very important later in her life. When the time is close for her powers to form, I'll take her to my cabin in the swamps. No one lives there."
*FLASH*
Rogue gasped and jerked back, "How is that possible?!"
The Professor shook his head, "It seems the memories you hold stayed in your head due to some biological link."
"But, Mystique tried to kill me. How can she be the loving mother I just saw?!"
"Magneto has punished her many times over the years. I, myself, have seen him punish her. She has grown cold and unemotional to survive. When you betrayed her, she was hurt beyond belief. It seems we must converse with Kurt."
Rogue let out a sigh, "I have a brother. The little elf is my brother. I always knew we were close but I just thought is was because of our outcast background."
The Professor smiled, "Shall I tell him?"
"No, I want too. I know how to do it."
The Professor nodded, "As you wish, but if you need any help don't hesitate to ask me for any assistance."
Rogue gave the Professor a smile, "ya, like you won't be eavesdropping on us anyway."
The Professor raised his eyebrow, but Marie left before he could protest.
Kurt and Annika drove up to the Institute. Annika had raised enough money with her job at the bowling alley to finally buy a used 1997 Honda Civic. She had taught Kurt to drive and he passed his test the first time. So, now they take turns driving it. Kurt was in such a grumpy mood, Annika let him drive home. "So, you vant popcorn or something for a snack vhile we do our homevork?"
"Kurt, are you feeling ok, it's Friday! I don't want to do homework."
Kurt hit his head, "Ja, sorry. I forgot vhat day it is."
Annika smiled, "But the popcorn does sound good."
Kurt smiled and they walked to the kitchen. After a couple hours of eating popcorn, having a popcorn fight with Evans and Kitty, cleaning it up after Oroco saw the mess, and dinnertime, Kurt was in a better mood. He waved to Annika as she drove home. As soon as she left, he started to feel bad again. That sickening feeling deep in his gut. He bamfed to his room and sat on the bed. He grabbed a pillow and fell back on the bed. He turned over and noticed an envelope on the floor, just like the one Quicksilver left from Mystique. He quickly stood up on the bed, looking around for any signs of a disturbance. Nothing. He slowly crawled off the bed and stood above the envelope. What could be in this one? He thought. I don't think my heart could take it. Against his better judgment, he picked up the envelope. He opened the seal and took out a tiny bound book. It looked like a dairy, with a golden lock on the side. It had hearts and daisies on the cover, worn from use. He felt something fall from the envelope and caught it in his hands, "A key?"
He sat down, Indian-style, on the floor, and opening the diary he saw post-it on the first page, "Read the highlighted parts only."
A strange request he thought but obeyed. He read:
"June 1992
My life sucks. Irene is a great mom but I miss having a mom and a dad. I wish I had a little brother or sister to talk too. I'm so lonely living out here in the boondocks of the swamp. I need to know. Was I a disappointment? Why did they leave me?"
He frowned. He knew how this Marie felt. To be abandoned and alone. It did suck. He too wished to have a sister or brother just like him to talk too. He turned a few pages until the next highlighted area:
"2001
Dear Diary. I'm mutant. That's right a freak! This is why my parents left me. They knew I was diseased. They knew I would never be able to touch another human being without absorbing their very thoughts and life force. I'm truly alone. There are other mutants, I meet a few of them tonight. Yet, they could never know the pain I feel. Never know my desire to hug or touch someone without wincing and passing out. I'm Rogue now, and so diary...I am no longer Marie. I am the Rogue."
Kurt looked up, expecting Rogue to be there, but she wasn't. Why was she having him read this diary. What was the point? He shrugged and continued with this apparent joke on him.
"Hi
Guess what? I finally have a friend here. His name is Kurt Wagner and he is a cute furry elf. No, seriously. I was freaked out about his looks at first, but then I realized that he knew how I feel to the outcast. He's always afraid that someone will touch him and notice the fur hidden by the hologram we wears and I'm afraid I will touch someone and they'll pass out. We started talking and we just click. This is more than a boyfriend/girlfriend bond...it only feels like family. I'll never tell any of them, but I think of Kurt as the little brother I never had."
Kurt couldn't help but smile. He knew the feeling Rogue was talking about in the diary. He too felt a bond between them. He too considered her to be the big sister he never had in his life. They knew each other so well and it hurt when she went with Mystique at first. He turned more pages, worried. He was running out of pages. What could Rogue want him to get out of this weird game?
"Nightmares suck..other people's nightmares suck even more. For the past week, I have been having nightmares about Mystique. The Professor said it is a memory. In these dreams, I found out that Mystique is Kurt's mom. The Professor said it wasn't certain, and I even told Kurt that it wasn't true, but I felt everything she did that fatal night. Kurt is her son and she regrets leaving him. I don't have the heart to tell him it's true and that his mother loved him enough to let him go. I just hope when I find my mom, I find out she loved me that much too."
Kurt wiped his eye. So, it was true. He didn't know whether to jump for joy or cry in agony. He turned the last page of the diary to read the last high lightened page:
"I'm still having these dreams. I went to the professor today and he told me a lot about what they mean. We went through all the memories that Mystique left in me. That's why diary this is my last entry into this book. It's time to start a new branch of my life. A new family bond. Thanks for being there. You and Kurt always were. Rogue."
Kurt flipped through some blank pages, "That's it?!" He felt cheated someway. What did the Professor tell her? He had to talk to her. He opened his door to find Rogue waiting at the door, "Vhat does this mean?"
Rogue walked into the room and out onto the balcony. Kurt followed her and leaned against the railing, "Rogue?"
She smiled at him, tears in her eyes, as she pulled a book from behind her back. It was a simple black book, no bigger than a notebook. She handed it to Kurt. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow and opened it, "Read it out loud Kurt."
Kurt nodded and read, "Hello, my name is the Rogue. I have been mutant for a few years now. I just found out that the one guy I connect with as a secret past. Our sorta enemy in this world of Westchester County, is his mother.
What's even stranger, is that the little brother I always wanted was right in front of me. I went to the Professor today to sort out some memories left by Mystique when I encountered her. To my shock and horror, I found out that not only is she Kurt's mother, but she is my mother too." Kurt jumped back, "Vaht?"
Rogue nodded, "Keep reading."
"And just like Kurt, she loved me so much she let me go. To hide me from Magneto's grip. I have a mother. I have a little brother. This is a new branch of my life. I hope my brother Kurt will help me fill this book with great memories to make everyone jealous. I think we deserve it. It's the outcasts' turn to shine."
Kurt stopped, crying. Rogue, crying too said, "Kurt, my little blue brother, will you help me?"
Kurt wiped his nose on his sleeve. He nodded, carefully hugging Rogue, where she was covered completely. She cried and hugged him back. She was being touched and loved. Kurt pulled away and smiled, "Vell, you sure know how to drop the bomb on someone, ja?"
Rogue smiled, "Ya, well, it's my charm. She really does love us."
"Then why did she leave?"
Rogue extended her gloved hand, "I'll tell you everything I know."
Kurt looking at her hand, smiled, tucked the book under one arm, and took her hand, "Lead the way, sis."
Monday morning..............
Mystique walked into her office as Principal of the school and sat down. The secretary brought her coffee and the mail. She also opened the curtains and turned on the local radio station. The woman left. Mystique flipped through mail to see a hallmark greeting card envelope. She furrowed her brow and opened it. A picture fell out. When Mystique looked at it she froze. It was a picture of Kurt and Rogue waving at the camera, smiling. She noticed she was smiling too. She caressed the picture trying to feel their faces. She looked at the card, it said in big loud bright colors: "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!" She opened the card to find writing.
"We know it's a day late but it's better late than never.
Guess you know whom this is from
But you'll never guess how much love it's bringing to you.
We knew what you went through and the sacrifices you made,
We just hope one day we can be the family we were meant to be.
Love
Kurt and Marie
PS- Listen to the radio around 8am."
Mystique swallowed the lump in her throat to stop herself from crying. She turned her chair to the window, holding the card and photograph to her chest. She listened to the radio. It was almost 8am. She didn't know what to expect until she heard the DJ say,
"This is a belated Mother's Day send out from Kurt and Marie to their mom. We love you. Ahh isn't that sweet. Here's their request, All the Love in the World by the Coors."
Mystique listened to the song, smiling at the words:
I'm not looking for someone to talk to
I've got my friend, I'm more than O.K.
I've got more than a girl could wish for
I live my dreams but it's not all they say
Still I believe (I'm missing) I'm missing something real
I need someone who really sees me...
(Don't wanna wake...) Don't wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
All I need is to know it's for sure
Then I'll give... all the love in the world
I've often wondered if love's an illusion
Just to get you through the loneliest days
I can't criticize it
I have no hesitation
My imagination just stole me away
(Still...) Still I believe
(I'm missing) I'm missing something real
I need someone who really sees me...
(Don't wanna wake...) Don't wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
All I need is to know it's for sure
Then I'll give... all the love in the world
Love's for a lifetime not for a moment
So how could I throw it away
Yeah I'm only human
And nights grow colder
With no-one to love me that way
Yeah I need someone who really sees me...
(Don't wanna wake...) And I won't wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
You'll reach for me and I'll know it's for sure
Then I'll give all the love in the world
(Don't wanna wake up alone anymore...)
She got up and left the off as the song ended. She was making her rounds around the school when she saw Kurt and her Marie walking towards her. They were talking and laughing and didn't see her. She wanted to tell them she loved them too. That she missed them and wished she could have been there, but Magneto had made her a hard cold-hearted person. Unfortunately, Rogue saw that anger firsthand. She looked down as she walked until she felt something. She looked up to see Rogue walk by her on the left and Kurt on the right, they squeezed her hands quickly and walked off as if the exchange never happened. She turned and saw them smile at her before running to catch up with the rest of the X-men group. She looked at her hands. She felt Kurt's fuzzy hand and Marie's gloved hand as if they still were there. She was about to go after them when Magneto summoned her. She had to block them out again. He couldn't know, they were still in danger. "Someday," she whispered to her children as the walked off.
Kurt and Rogue looked at each other and smiled. Outcasts, no more, they were family.
The End