DISCLAIMER: Don't own the Xmen, Don't own Xmen Evolution, No profit being made from this story.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hope you guys enjoy this one and thanks for all the reviews!

~ the ROGUE
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XMEN EVOLUTION - Big Challenges

All the Xmen were still assembled in the study, all of them silent. Jean was deep in thought the nights
conversation with the professor still fresh in her mind. She looked around the room where sat her closest
friends. She worried for Logan as well as the other Xmen. She could feel the risk of being an Xman was
about to intensify and that the battles they were fighting were becoming difficult. To suceed the Xmen
would have to mature accordingly, but Jean wasn't sure if she or the others were ready. It deeply concerned her.

Finally Storm was first to speak, "Professor what should our first move be."

"Nothing, I know Magneto he does not act without purpose. Wolverine is part of his plan and as soon as we
are to be he will contact us."

"What does he want?" Scott asked.

"I do not know exactly, but we must be ready."

The usually quiet Rogue spoke up, "Uh professor isnt there a way ya can use cerebro ta track Magneto or
even mah mo- Mystique."

"I wish there were, but Mystique's shapeshifting make her near impossible to find and somehow Magneto
has found ways to deflect cerebro."

"Like how would he be able to do that?" Kitty asked.

"Cause he helped me build it." Line stolen from movie!

"Xmen it is my decision to allow you to stay home from school due to the current situation. However understand
that you will be required to make up missed assignments. Soon my students we will be facing a great challenge
where are abilities will be tested." Xaiver paused, it was hard for him to accept the level of danger his Xmen
may be faced with on account of his old friend. He took a heavy breath "As for now there is nothing we can really
do, I will continue to try with cerebro though I fear it will do little good-"

"What do you want us to do?" Kurt asked.

"I know Magneto, he will not wait long to reveal his intentions. Now it is getting late and I would prefer for you all
to get some rest soon, you may need it. I will increase the security and Storm will be keeping constant watch."


*Later that Night*

Jean was in the war room on one of the computers trying to find more information on Magneto when Cyclops
walked in.

"Jean what are you doing up?"

"Hey Scott. I couldnt sleep."

"Ya know the Proffesor wants us to get some rest, who knows what we could be facing. You should get some sleep."

"Yeah I know. So what are you doing up?" Jean giggled.

"Couldnt sleep either. Jean can ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Do you think the teams ready for any of this."

"Scott I sense your concern but dont blame yourself theres nothing more you as the team leader could of done to
prepare them."

"I dont know about that Jean."

"Well I do and I think your a great leader and a great friend."

"Thanks" Scott said trying not to blush. He looked at the monitor displaying a picture of Magneto. "Jean do
you sense were ready to handle this all."

"Scott I dont know if Im ready to handle this all."

Scott took her hand, "As long as were together we can get through anything. Jean smiled and Scott returned
it ten fold. Thoughts raced across his mind, holding Jeans hand feels so right maybe were meant to be more
than-

His thoughts were cut off by the feeling of Jeans lips kissing his own. Their kiss was short but very sweet.
Afterwards Scott took her in his arms and simply held her, living in the moment. For now all of his worries
were miles away.

___________

Wolverine was pissed. Here he was surrounded by an impossible to get out of magnetic field having to listen
to Sabertoothes new boss blabber on and on. As soon as he got out of here he was gonna shut that guy up
for good, then it would be Creeds turn. There was another person in the room too, who had remained silent.
A man in a security gaurd outfit. They smelt fimilar but Wolverine still had a splitting headache and this Magneto
was the cause of it.

"Wolverine from what Sabertoothe here tells me you know very little of your past. I brought you here thinking
we could make an exchange. Join me and Ill gurantee you information on your past."

"How do you know bout my past?"

"I dont but you see i am certain I could find out. Sabertoothe and Mystique are only two of my many connections."

On cue the security guard turned into Mystique, Wolverine growled.

"So Mr. Logan what do you say?"

"Forget it bub." Came Wolverines reply along with a wad of spit in Magneto's direction.

"Fool. Such disrespect, not only towards me but to all mutant kind. I fight to bring our race, the superior race
into power. Everyday mutants are being treated like freaks, parasites...the human race has tried to cloud the
minds of all mutants by labeling them as outcasts when really we are the better race. The humans must be
destroyed so we can reign as we rightfully should. I am tired of seeing my brothers have to hide because of
human scum. It is time to end the suffering!"

Wolverine glared at him, "And to you killing a bunch of innocent people seems like the solution."

Magneto laughed, "I see how Charles has warped your mind with his childish dreams of peace. He has yet
to understand that they are just that: dreams. Well he can sit by and dream while I take action, but he best not
get in my way."

"What do you want from me?"

"Nothing now, you are just a message to Charles that I have arrived, unless you change your mind..."

___________

Orroro Monroe, aka: Storm was on full alert, watching the monitors that allowed her different views of the
mansions perimeter. She also periodically checked the transmissions monitor, the proffesor believed that
was how Magneto would contact them. The poor professor he was trying everything imaginable with cerebro.
Storm tried to focus her entire mind on her duties and not on her fears and concerns.

"Remy are you going to give me a proper gretting are just watch me from the shadows all night?"

Remy Lebeau stepped out of the shadows where he had been observing Storm and the monitors. "Bien Stormy."
"You have not lost your touch."

"Do not call me that ridiculous name." Her tone lightened "Is there something I can help you with my friend."

"Non Remy just watchin and waitin like you."

Scilence

"You be really worried aint ya?"

"Well Im quite concerened, the Xmen are like family to me."

"Oui Remy understands."

"And how about you Remy, what do you feel? Do you like the Xmen, I thought theyd be good for you."

"Sides you Im not ready to call any of the Xmen close ta family, but dey fight for a good cause. But ya
know Remy not sure bout stayin after dis mess,Dunno how ya do it, I miss de theivin"

"Remy Lebeau, you would leave me?! And what about Rogue?"

At the mention of Rogue Gambit felt light headed.

"How do you feel about Rogue, One you can never touch."

"Dunno but I like being with her. Touch or non."

"I think you two are very good for eachother and when your together I see you two more happy than I
have ever seen either of you."

"Geez Stormy what are you my friend or my shrink?"

Storm laughed, "Do not call me that."

___________

None them able to sleep, Kurt, Kitty, and Rogue were gathered in the rec room. Spyke had gone to check
on his aunt. (storm) Kitty was engrossed in the news but neither Kurt or Rogue could focus on it much.
Rogue thought about when she found out Kurt was her brother, strange how they had in a way shared the
same past.

Kurt must of been thinking along the same lines, "Rogue?"

"Yeah Kurt?"

"You think that Mystique is involved in this?"

"I know she is."

"In that case I think were in more trouble-"

"You guys!" Kitty suddenly sheirked.

Kurt and Rogue both faced her. "Like check out the news!" All three brought there attention to the news.

"This is Trish Tilby Im live on the scene where just moments ago city hall was destroyed by one identified
mutant with a message. Here I have with me witness and government official Bob Newbay. Sir could you
tell us what you saw or heard?"

"The mutant freak began bending the pillars of the building without using his hands and there metal pillars for
christ sake. He said the suffurage must end. In my opinion we need to stop these mutants from terroizing
government property before someone gets hurt!"

*Xmen report to the war room*

Upon Xaivers call all the Xmen hurried to meet in the war room all in full uniform. Gambit was last to enter, but
found a place next to Rogue and held her hand. She smiled at him and he almost melted. There attention was
then brought back to the issue at hand.

"Professor did you see the news?!" Kitty asked.

"Yes Kitty, while Eric was out destroying city hall Ii was able to contact Logan and discovered his where abouts.
Magneto has not yet contacted use and believes we do not know his whereabouts we must rescue Logan while
we still have the element of surprise. This is a very dangerous mission where we must work as a team. Storm,
Scott ,Jean, Rogue,and Kurt will come in the blackbird with me to break into his hideout, it may require lots
of skill and luck. "

"Way cool" Kurt exclaimed.

Storm interrupted, "Professor I think it is wise that we take Remy. While he is not as experienced in working
in a team he is the youngest master theif in the world and has had much training in this area."

The professor looked over at Remy who was grinning cockily. "Alright."

The professor was lecturing about the dangers of the mission. Rogue wasnt listening she had let go of Gambits
hand and crossed her arms over her chest. She didnt want to look at him, how could her hide that from her.

Gambit noticed Rogues reaction. He had gone form happy to be going to oh shit Rogues pissed in a matter
of seconds. He would have to work things out with her on the blackbird.

"Professor what about me and Kit?" Evan asked.

"Spyke I need you and Kitty to stay here. Not because I dont think you two cant handle it, but it is vital that we
do not leave the mansion defenseless. You are to contact me if anything happens, I'll leave a COM link open"

"But professor-" Kitty begun.

"Do as your told, there is no time to waist. Now to the blackbrid."

___________

Once on the blackbird Gambit tried to explain things to Rogue, but she wouldnt listen. Now he had to listen
to the plan the professor was going over.

"Now their is an air shaft here on the side of the 4th story of the building." The professor pointed to the digital
diagram. "First we will have to delatch the lock on the shafts door."

"No problem" Gambit replied relaxed.

"Storm and Gambit you two will go. Once inside the shaft you will have to go through a series of tunnels." The path
they needed to take lit up on the diagram. "Look out for traps, Im sure Eric has it guarded by top security programs.
Once you get here you will see the security display on the wall, you will have to break the code to get the door to
the main security open. As you notice their is a big gap between the tunnel and the security room. Storm will
fly over it to the room and destroy the computers. Meanwhile the rest of us will prepare to go through a side
door close to Logan's prison. You will meet us there "

"Professor." Storm spoke up. "There are a couple problems. First I am unsure if I will be able to carry Remy steadily
enough to the 4th floor and secondly looking at the diagram it appears Remy will be a tight fit through some areas
of the tunnel, it would be better if you sent Rogue in there. She will be able to fit and can lift Remy."

"Yeah but mah powers cant really destroy the circutry."

"Unlike me, you are able to carry Gambit over the gap where he can use his kenetic powers to blast the computers."

"Rogue will you be able to do this?"

"Yes."

"Jean or I will be in telepathic contact with you the first time in case anything goes wrong. You have to be as quiet
as possible there not expecting us."
___________

Rogue flew with Gambit in her arms to the venelation shafts entrance. She held him there waiting for him to disarm
the electronic lock.

"Surley chere you do not wish for us to remain on bad terms, we must work togther." he grinned at her charmingly.

"Just pick the damn lock."

In a matter of seconds he was able to open the door. Rogue set him down gently and crawled in herself behind him.
Gambit stopped right in front of her, "Ladies first chere."

Not wanting to put up with anymore of his crap she went along with his game and crawled over him, to be in front,
then without a word kept going. As they crawled on the tunnle got narrower and narrower and they were forced
very close together. Not that Remy minded.

"Swamp rat if yah touch mah butt one more time, Ill knock you to the first floor."

"Pardon moi chere but de tunnel is very intimate...spacewise."

They kept going in scilence. Suddenly Remy pulled her back close to him.

"Ah meant what ah said SWAMP-"

Remy put his gloved hand over her mouth "shhh. Dere be motion sensors on de side walls."

"How do we get past em?"

"With style chere, always with style." Remy pulled out a small object from his unoform. It extended into a long
but very thin metal rod in much the same fashion as his boa staff did. Skillfully he disarmed the sensor from a
distance. "Impressive non?"

"Now how we gonna get past the infared lasers?" Rogue pointed to the beams ahead of them.
To Rogue it seemed impossible the tunnel was so small and narrow they wouldnt be able to
jump or fly over them and crawling under them seemed near impossible. Certain beams would appear
and dissapear about every five seconds hardly enough time to-

Gambit had already figured out the pattern and crawled through to the other side where he was disarming
them. "Go ahead Mon cherie."

Rogue crawled through to where Gambit sat grinning, "Now what about a thank you kiss."

"Duck cajun." a swinging blade almost got his head.

"What is dis the temple of doom?"

*Gambit, Rogue how are you holding up?* The professor asked them telepathically.

"We be fine professor dough deres enough traps in here. Dont worry dough Roguey and I make a good
team will shutdown de security."

"You watch for traps behind us and to the sides all watch out ahead."

"As you wish chere."

They continued along for sometime till suddenly the tunnel ended.

"Remy theres the gap across to the other room, but look. At the bottom of the long drop was a machine that
resembled a vaccum. Gambit threw a card into the gap and it was immediatley sucked in by the vaccum.

"Remy ah dont think ah can fight the vaccums pull AND carry you across.

Through the com link Rogue explained the situation to the others. However Remy remained calm.

"Ah can make it alone but ah dont think ah have the knowledge or right powers ta disable the security."

"Is there any way?" Scott asked the professor.

"Gambit know a way. I can loan Rogue mine."

It took Rogue a moment to process what he was saying, "No Remy ah dont wanna hurt ya."

"Gambit thats ridiculous." Scott replied.

The professor chimed in. "Actually it could work. I can have kurt teleport Gambit to saftey after Rogue
absorbs him and Rogue would be able to shut down the security alone. That is if you dont mind Rogue."

"Ah dont want ta hurt him."

"Remy be fine chere." He spoke into the com link Ill turn on my mini camera ta give Kurt a visual of where we are."
___________

The plan was set and now it was time for Rogue to absorb Gambit.

"Chere before we do dis Remy just wanna say hes sorry for not tellin ya bout de theivin. De truth is I did
grow up on de streets, but bout when I was nine Jean Luc de leader of the Neew Orleans theives guild
adopted me and taught me all dere is bout theivery. Im sorry for-"

She put her gloved hand over his lips, "I forgive ya swamp rat."

He smiled, "Ya ready den chere?"

"You sure ya wanna do this."

"Oui Remy is sure." he grinned.

Rogue hesitantly took off one of her gloves.

"Chere wait if were gonna do dis I wanna do dis right."

Rogue looked at him confused, then understood what he meant. She nodded her consent and slowly his lips
touched her own. At first the kiss was the most wonderful sensation, his lips were so soft. And then the
absorbtion came and Remy fell to the floor. Rogue gently leaned him againt the wall and set off to complete
her assigned task.
___________


Meanwhile, Kurt had come and collected the unconcious Remy. The rest of the Xmen sat in the hidden blacbird
and waited for Rogues signal, "This is Rogue, security is shut down."

Storm answered, "Good, we will be moving in, you know where to meet us."

Storm, Nightcrawler, Jean, and Cyclops entered the lower ground quietly making there way to where Logan was
held. They entered the room cautiously

"Logan!" Jean exclaimed seeing him improsined by magnetic bars.

"Im on it." Kurt declared. He teleported into the cage and out with Logan.

"Thanks kid."

"No problem."

"Now I got a bone to pick with Creed."

"Not today Logan the professor wants this to be purley a rescue misson." Storm instructed.

Logan growled and the group made there way down a long hallway.

"Guys over here." Rogues head appeared out of a random doorway.

Jean, Cyclops, and Kurt ran over to her.

*sniff sniff*

"Logan whats wrong?" Storm asked.

"That aint Rogue"

"Mystique." Storm declared.

"So much for purley a rescue misson."

Storm and Logan ran to help the others, unfortunatley they had run right into a trap.
___________

Cyclops thought about the teams current situation. Good news: they had rescued Logan Bad news: they had
walked into a trap. Good news: Kurt had managed to teleport out of the room un noticed. Bad news: they were
surrounded by some sort of force field that blocked their powers Good news: Rogue and the prof also out there
somewher Bad news: Someone else had just entered the room

"Wolverine we have already met, as for the rest of you Im sure Charles has told you who I am, but allow me to
introduce myself, I am Magneto."

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*****To be continued.... I know I left you hanging there (sorry) and it might take me a while to post more
but FEEDBACK will motivate me so please WRITE A REVIEW