It was the girl; the one they were to kill. She was within reach! Right now, she could just grab the little bitch and twist her neck- in a split second! But her loyalty lied with the Brotherhood, and she let her combat mode disengage. The brat spoke:

"Terry, don't you know it's Free Day? No one's allowed inside, sugah. Professor X's orders, 'Everyone needs some fresh air'." She paused and peered at Mystique for a moment and said concernedly, "Terr', Hun, you okay, sugar?" Mystique couldn't believe how sweet this girl was.

Disgusting, she thought. Quickly Mystique took a breath and spoke to Rogue:

"Uh... yeah. I'm fine. I must have forgotten."

The shape-shifter hoped that she had somewhat sounded like the former occupant of the body that she was using. It wasn't like she gave the kid a chance to speak before she killed him... A sigh of relief almost escaped her lips as Rogue spoke to her again:

"Just like you, Terr', always forgetting something so important so quickly! Well, come on, sugah, let's go for a walk."

Mystique could not believe her luck. Their objective could be accomplished right here, right now! But no- her mind scolded her for proposing such an idea. If she did this now, she would never be able to look into Erik's eyes ever again. She would be an abomination to her own kind as well as the human race. For she was not human... oh no. She could appear to be, but she knew she really wasn't.

Slowly, Mystique made her temporary body smile meekly and nod; she followed the target.

Soon, Mystique found herself in the midst of all of the students. Rogue had led her to a party that was being held. The shape-shifter whipped her head around wildly. There was laughing. Everyone wore a smile. Mystique shook her head at all of the cheeriness. How could all of these people be happy at the exact same time? Again she shook "Terry's" head. There were just some things that she would never understand.

Victory, however, was near, and there was nothing more simple to understand than that.

Scott Summers emerged from the manor and turned to lock the door back up. Today was a day of relaxation, and boy was he relaxed! He had just finished his little romantic session with his fiancé, Jean ('Well, not little...), and let's just say he exhausted her.

Scott smiled. I don't think she'll be joining us in the festivities today. Or tomorrow...

He smiled at himself and relished in his arrogance for a moment. Damn, she's a good lover. And he was equally matched. Together, they made one hell of a scene! Maybe he'd tape them one day. It might prove to be interesting later.

Soon, Scott found himself nearing the party. Time to get rid of all erotic thoughts, Summers. And he did just that.

Numerous yells were directed his way; he was used to that sort of thing: Hormone-raging teenagers that would do anything to get into his pants...

"What about 'pants', Scott?" He looked back up from the ground and there was Kitty Pryde.

"Morning, Kitty!" He exclaimed and clapped his hand on her shoulder. Kitty was about the only girl at the school who didn't swoon over him, or find him sexually attractive. Yes, he thought this was odd, but it was nice to have someone of the opposite sex to talk to without having to wade out of an Olympic-size pool of saliva afterwards. Now don't get him wrong, he loves the attention and tormenting girls, but he needed some platonic relationships as well.

He smiled even broader as Pryde pulled him in for a hug. He noticed, looking around, that there were many girls staring, looking hopeful, or giving Kitty the evil eye.

"So, what's up, handsome?" Kitty beamed as she let go of him.

Scott replied nonchalantly, "Nothin' too much, gorgeous, how 'bout yourself?" He held out his arm for her and she accepted it.

"Hmm... the day is nice, but I'd rather be indoors..." Scott laughed heartily.

"Kitty Pryde... indoors? Now there's something different!" She shook her head at him and smiled, letting her eyes wander the grounds. Scott almost jumped as she exclaimed.

"Hey, look! It's Rogue and Terry!"

Kitty released Scott's arm and ran toward her friends.

"Marie! Terry!" At full speed, she collided with the two people in front of her, making them all tumble to the ground. Laughs erupted from Rogue and Kitty, but Terry wasn't even smiling.

"Terr', what's wrong? You okay?" Kitty's voice was full of concern as she looked at her friend's blank face. Actually, he looked somewhat annoyed. She studied his face for another few moments and finally, his lips broke to make a truthful smile.

"Hey, Kit; just messin' around!" This made Kitty feel better; he actually called her 'Kit'! He'd never done that before, but she was glad that he did.