Absorbed

Summary: Vega and Rogue have something in common. Vega can help Rogue control it, and teach her the value of relationships in the process.

Chapter 1: Love That Lives On

Vega O'Malley was strapped to a bed in a white walled room. It was the same room as she'd remembered being in the day before and countless days before that. All because of her abilities. When she was 14, she had killed her neighbor simply by shaking her hand. She had absorbed the lady's life energy. Her mom had not been able to save her from the evil men who took her away. Now, day after day, they experimented. Her powers had grown. She absorbed life, she absorbed powers, she absorbed languages, feelings… memories. Oh, God, the memories. The evil men had made her absorb countless convicts' lives, including their memories. It was more humane than the electric chair the evil men whispered. Of course, it was never publicized, the public would never allow any mutants to taint the workings of the government, even if it meant an easier way of ridding the world of evil. And yet, night after night, nightmare after nightmare, she screamed, tormented by horrible people's horrible thoughts. While the evil men watched and took notes, all the while mentally lining up the next convict for "Absorption". Vega hardly knew herself from her memories.

Moriah O'Malley stood outside the facility, mentally preparing herself to rescue her daughter. She knew it was possible she would die, but it was necessary. Her daughter deserved a chance. Professor Xavier could give her daughter that chance. But only if Moriah was able to get Vega there... Moriah took her emerald ring off her had and put it on a silver chain. After fastening it about her neck, she jumped the fence and ran up to the facility. She snuck quietly to the room they were holding her daughter in. 'The fools…putting her on the first floor. Too easy' Moriah thought as she unstrapped her daughter. Vega moaned and blinked. She gasped at the new found freedom of her limbs. Something was wrong. Her next Absorption wasn't until tomorrow morning. It hadn't been….

"Momma?" she asked dazed. Was her mom really carrying her out of the forsaken room?

"Shh…Vega, I'm gonna get you outta here." Moriah formed a shield around the two of them as she continued out of the building. Twice she felt bullets hit the shield and heard the confrontational voices yelling, but neither slowed her down. She had to give Vega a chance for a life. Moriah made it as far as the door leading outside before her shield started to falter. With desperation and determination, she summoned the last of her strength and jumped the fence. She tried to dodge the shots of the guards who had gone through the gate. She tried to get as far as possible. She tried, but when she knew she could get no farther, she ripped Vega's protective sleeve off.

"You must find Professor Xavier. He can teach and protect you. Fly quickly…And don't ever blame yourself…" Moriah took a breath and pulled a ring from her finger. "I love you and through this, I will always be with you." Moriah placed the ring around her daughter's finger and tried to smile as she felt her life force being absorbed. "love…" she whispered one more time before falling lifeless to the ground. Vega stared in shock, but her mother's newly absorbed force took over her body and flew her to the tops of the trees. For hours, she leapt from tree to tree, running down roads, going farther and farther away. She was following the map her mother had planned out. Vega arrived at the School for Gifted Youngster's at dawn's light.