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Chapter Sixty:
Kitty Pride found herself marching up Fifth avenue with Rogue. They had just passed Sixtieth street and they were walking all the way to sixty-sixth, she had been told.
"So, what's the plan?" Kitty asked.
"I'm still debating that," she answered vaguely as they kept a brisk pace.
"Okay, like, what are our options?"
"Direct, indirect, or breaking and entering," she answered.
"Okay," Kitty said uneasily.
"Direct, we walk up to the front door and I ask for a meeting with Shaw. Indirect, same thing, except I look like Mystique while asking. Breaking and entering, we use a combo of yours and Magneto's powers to sneak around until we find Jean," she elaborated.
"Which is better?" she asked.
"That's the debate," she said. "There are pros and cons with each strategy."
"Okay, hmm. Walk me through it. Maybe I can, like, help you decide?" she offered.
"Shaw will appreciate a direct approach if I can back it up with funds. But I'll need to use Mystique's account to give him the capital he'd expect from this type of exchange," she said.
"Are you afraid Mystique will find out?"
"That's inevitable," she shrugged. "But timing is key. Which is why I'm considering indirect. I absorbed the details of his and Mystique's last conversation on the way to school. And I can use that to alter the deal and get Jean out of there. But I'll have to go alone and if he discovers I'm not Mystique things'll turn south fast," she explained.
"So, maybe we should just go in and find her?"
"It's the most direct path to Jean and it'll be nice not having to ask permission to get her out of there. But you don't have any telepathic defenses. Emma will be a problem. Discovery before we find Jean is a big risk," she further explained.
'She, totally, wishes I wasn't here,' she thought to herself. "So, this would be easier without me, huh?" she asked aloud. Rogue blinked before glancing over at her.
"Huh? No, no. Kitty, breaking and entering is only an option because you are here. Technically, we have a fourth choice but I already ruled that out," she said.
"What's that?" she asked.
"Launching an assault," she said dryly as they stopped to wait for the light. "If I thought that was a good idea, I would just bust in with Magneto's powers and get Jean the hell outta there," she explained while waving her dismissively. "But we have the larger picture to consider and I'd rather not pit mutant against mutant if I can help it," she said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Oh," Kitty said as they both noticed the light had changed to red. "So, if you really don't want them to be our enemies then, like, maybe, direct is the best option?" she asked. Rogue stood still for a long moment. They had the light, but she wasn't moving. Glancing at the crosswalk sign, they had twenty seconds left to cross the street. Guess they were waiting for the next light.
"You know what?" Rogue asked abruptly as she bolted across Sixty-Second Street. Kitty quickly ran to keep up with her. "Mystique's the one who put us all in this situation. So, she can front the bill to get us all out of it," she said.
"Okay," Kitty said as they made it across and continued down Fifth Avenue. "And, like, the timing you were worried about. Are we going to be okay? We will be able to rescue Jean before Mystique finds out you, what, like hacked her bank account?" she asked.
"Logan should keep her distracted long enough for us to get this done," she said as she picked up the pace even more.
Kitty huffed as she increased her speed to keep up with Rogue, before asking, "wait, what do you mean Logan's distracting her?"
Wolverine sat, in a little run-down bar, about a hundred miles north of Bayville. The distance was sobering which was why he was drowning himself in beer and whiskey. The bar was fairly empty. He was alone on the left-hand side of the bar. Two older men sat on the right-hand side with a fair amount of empty stools between them.
Good.
Behind him, he heard the doors to the bar open. A quick sniff told him it was a woman. She had a creamy floral scent, a hint of lemon, spice, and vanilla, mixed with clean linen. He turned his head slightly and the image of the woman walking up to the bar matched his expectations. She was wearing a long yellow dress with purple flowers and had shoulder-length wavy blond hair. With a face like an angel. Had he been in the mood for small talk, he might've actually been happy she chose to sit directly next to him.
'Great,' he thought as he grasped his glass.
"Well, hey there, stranger," she said with an amused tone, a slight southern twang in her voice.
"Hi," he said before he took a large gulp of his beer. She lifted her fingers up, signaling the bartender, who promptly came to their side of the bar.
"A beer and two shots of whiskey, Jack Daniels," she ordered.
He kept drinking as he debated leaving the bar. A moment passed as her order was placed in front of her.
"So," she said as she lifted one shot with her right hand and used her left to slide the other toward him. "What's a stud like you doing here all by your lonesome?" she asked.
He turned and looked her up and down again. His gaze shifted down to the shot, unclear what type of invitation this was.
'Screw it,' he thought as he fisted the shot glass. "Drinking," he answered before he downed the shot. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the smirk on her face as she took her shot.
"Two more," she ordered, as she held up two fingers towards the bartender. She was eyeing him as he switched to his glass, downing the rest of his beer. "Do you wanna have another beer?" she asked as she took hold of her glass. "Of course, you do," she answered before he could speak, as she slid the glass towards him.
"Thanks," he said with a raised eyebrow, but he took that drink nonetheless.
"So, what's your name?" she asked. His eyes locked with hers, as he gave her a blank stare. She laughed at this before saying, "I like a man with a little mystery but whatever do I call you."
In lieu of a response, he drank.
"No, no, you're right. Don't tell me. It'll be more fun to guess," she said as the bartender refilled the two shot glasses with whiskey. "Gruff demeanor," she said her head cocked as she took hold of her shot glass. "Dangerous aura and those haunted eyes," she said, staring into his. She broke away for a brief moment as they both shot their heads back, taking their shots. "You- you look like a Jimmy," she guessed.
He let out a low growl as he slammed his fist against the countertop.
"Oh, did I guess right?" she laughed.
"Ah-huh," he grunted.
"You are quite the conversationalist, did you know that?" she taunted.
"I didn't come here for conversation," he said.
"Well, neither did I," she said as she leaned in close to him, resting her arms on the bar. "Lover," she whispered as her eyes locked with his again. His eyes shifted as he gave her another once over, his eyes roaming up and down her body. He gave her a look before he downed the rest of his beer.
"Ya shoulda led with that," he said as he reached into his back pocket and retrieved his wallet.
"You wanna know my name, Jimmy?" she asked as he threw two twenties on the bar.
"No," he said bluntly as he stood, putting his wallet back in his back pocket. "You coming?" he asked. She stood and closed the small gap between them.
"I'd better," she said pointedly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Finally, he smirked, before he said, "just you wait, Darlin."
"Okay," Kitty said as she and Rogue continued to walk up Fifth Avenue. "But, like, what if she hurts him?" she asked.
"She can't. Not really," she said as she looked over at her. "Kitty, come on, it's Logan," she said in response to her facial expression. "He's got his healing factor. He'll be fine," she argued.
"I don't know, Rogue," she said uneasily.
"I also told Mystique what really happened at the concert. There's a chance she might just ignore Wolverine altogether and argue with Irene the whole time," she said.
"Really?" Kitty asked.
"Maybe," she said, though she didn't sound convinced. "It's only a small chance- but- Look," she huffed as she stopped walking and turned to face her. "I wish I'd had more time to think of a better plan, okay? But I didn't and this is the best I've got to ensure everyone stays alive. Which, at the end of the day, is what really matters. Logan's mad at me, and he'll be furious after this. But still, he gets that."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it too," Kitty said.
"I know you do," she said with a small smile. "So, we're gonna stick to the plan," she said as they walked up to a large gated mansion.
"And rescue Jean," she finished. Rogue gave her a stern nod as they walked up to the gate and up to an intercom device.
"Good afternoon," Rogue said as she pressed a button and spoke into a little speaker.
"Good afternoon," a female voice replied out of the intercom. "State your business." Kitty watched Rogue's eyes widen as she froze for a moment. She reached over and shook her shoulder, as the voice repeated, "state your business."
Rogue's eyes blinked rapidly as she let out a huff. Kitty watched her quickly compose herself before she reached forward and pressed the button.
"I'm Rogue, of the X-Men. I'm here with Kitty Pride. We understand Mr. Shaw recently was solicited for a project involving the X-Men. We have a counter-offer we believe would be beneficial to the Hellfire Club and would like to take our proposal to Mr. Shaw himself, should his schedule permit," she spoke into the speaker.
"One moment, please," the voice replied. Rogue took a slight step back from the intercom.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"That wasn't Emma's voice," she muttered to herself. "I was expecting Emma, not-. Shit," she exclaimed under her breath.
"Not who?" she asked.
"Fucking Charles," she muttered angrily, barely above a whisper.
"Huh?" she asked confused as Rogue took a breath.
"I'm gonna need ya to let me do the talking once we're in there," she ordered.
"Yeah, I know," Kitty said.
"No matter how morally offended you get, let me handle this," she said sternly.
"Yes, I heard you. I won't say anything," she said.
"I'm serious, Kitty," Rogue said before they both heard a feedback static sound come from the intercom.
"Mr. Shaw is able to accommodate your request. Please proceed to the front door," the voice said.
"Okay, here we go," Rogue said as the gates started to open. Rogue took her hand and nudged them forward. "Phase as through," she ordered.
"But it's opening," she said. Rogue turned and gave her a hard look. "Okay, okay," she said as they walked forward and through the still-opening metal bars.
As they walked up the building, Kitty heard a loud laugh come from the second floor. She glanced up to see a man with mutton chops and long black hair, tied back with a bow, looking down at them with an amused expression. He was wearing an older type of formal men's wear. He had a dark blue jacket, a bright red button-up vest, and a white shirt underneath. The white fabric was overflowing out from the cuffs of the coat and the top of his vest, folded in such a way that she could tell it was an intentional part of his attire. She had seen similar outfits in movies before, but never in person.
"Tessa, you won't be required to open the door. Our guests will be kind enough to let themselves in," he announced loudly.
"Your hospitality is appreciated, Mr. Shaw," Rogue said pleasantly. Though, Kitty wouldn't call the smile on Rogue's face, kind.
"Of course, of course," he said in a grandiose yet dismissive tone as he turned and walked away from the window and out of their line of vision.
"Ya ready?" she asked. Kitty nodded and taking the lead, walked them up and through the front door.
Charles Xavier and Ororo stood, within his mind, in the institute's kitchen from some years ago. They were painstakingly reviewing his memories, one at a time, to ensure they didn't miss even the slightest reaction Moria might have had to anything she read within the Caldecott County Chronicle. Though the memories were set at one-point-five speed to quicken the process. Given they had years worth of memories to review, the added speed was welcome.
During the last few hours, there had been a few comments here and there, but nothing in regards to the newspaper itself. Still, they continued.
"Charles," Ororo said, calling for his attention. "Moria spoke again and you responded," she said. He nodded as rewound the memory and resume it at normal speed.
"Well, isn't that splendid," Moria commented happily, slightly under her breath.
"Good news?" Charles asked, glancing up from the New York Times.
"Indeed, it is," she said with a smile on her face. "I'm reading the birth announcements," she explained.
"As you often do," he commented. "I wonder why you enjoy them so much. Perhaps you are looking forward to children of your own one day? It's not a conversation we've had, but we-"
"And it's not a conversation we need to have now, either," she interrupted. "If I want children, Charles, I promise there won't be any little hints or guessing games involved. I'll just tell ya," she said.
"I would appreciate that," he said.
"I think most men would," she smiled before they both laughed.
"However, that doesn't answer my question," he said. She responded by rolling her eyes playfully.
"If you must know, I'm reading about an old friend of mine," she said.
"Who do you know in Mississippi?" he asked, interested.
"Do you want me to read it to you, then?" she asked.
"Yes, please," he said as he placed his newspaper down.
"Proud parents, Owen and Pricilla Rankin are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Anna-Marie Rankin at the Caldecott County Hospital. Born on August fourth, nineteen-eighty-two. She was seven pounds heavy and eight-teen inches long. She is the firstborn child of their growing family," Moria finished reading as they lowered the newspaper to the table. "She must be a bonnie little lass," she said happily, practically beaming.
"Perhaps, we could go visit them?" Charles asked.
"With a newborn? Really, Charles? The last thing they need is to entertain, isn't it?" she pointed out.
They watched his younger self hesitate for a moment before suggesting, "well, a fruit basket, perhaps?"
"That would be thoughtful, wouldn't it?" she asked.
"I'll place the order," he said. "Is there anything, in particular, you would like the card to say?" he asked. There was a brief pause as Moria composed her thoughts.
"Welcome little Anna-Maire, and congratulation to your mum and dad on the birth of such a bonnie little girl. Wishing you a lifetime of love, health, laughter, and happiness," she dictated.
"That's lovely, Moria," he commented.
"Aye," she said with a smile. "Thank you, Charles. It's a great idea, isn't it? I wouldn't have thought of it myself," she said.
Charles placed his fingers on his temple pausing the memory, as his younger self obliviously smiled at Moria's younger self.
"Was it just me, or did that card sound like it was addressed to Anna-Marie and not her parents?" Charles asked.
"It's not you, Charles," Ororo confirmed. "This is Rogue's birth announcement. It must be," she stated.
"But then what happened to the Rankins? And how did Mystique get custody of her? Did she do something to them? Is that why Rogue's so terrified of her?" he asked.
"I don't know," she said.
"Ororo, are we jumping to conclusions?" he asked.
"No," she said shaking her head. "The date of birth is the same, the year matches what we suspected about her age, the location is where she was born. All of this adds up, Charles. We are not wrong," she said firmly. "Did you ever get a response?"
"From the gift basket? No, no, I don't think so. But we weren't expecting one," he said. "Rankin," he said to himself thoroughly.
"Like Calvin Rankin," Ororo pointed out.
"Now that you mention it, the boy's powers, though not mutant in origin, are rather similar to Rogue's. Aren't they?" he asked.
She nodded at him before stating, "he was here yesterday."
"What? Why?" he asked alarmed.
"Jean was helping him with his powers and then offered him a ride home," she explained.
"Did Rogue know?" he asked.
"No, but Logan found out before he left. He told Jean to tell him to keep his powers. That there were advances to being bulletproof," she said staring at him shocked. His eyes widened.
"Did Scott ever find Jean?" he asked alarmed. "I thought she was avoiding me but-"
"I don't- I don't know," she said, suddenly as worried as he was. "But it's been hours. If he didn't find her he would have alerted us by now," she said.
"Yes, but we moved locations and it might not have been Jean he found," he said grimly. "Good god," he exclaimed before he pulled him and Ororo out of his mind and back into their bodies. His eyes snapped open as he saw Ororo standing up from the couch.
He took a quick mental scan of the institute.
"Charles?" she asked.
"There's no sign of Jean," he said as Ororo's eyes widened further. "But Scott's in one of the gyms. Hank is in the sub-level seven. Hopefully, Magnus is with him. Do you remember the room?" he asked.
"Yes," she answered promptly.
"Gather everyone and meet me at Cerebro. We're treating this as an emergency situation until we have a clear confirmation that everyone is safe and accounted for," he ordered.
"Of course, Professor," she said before running out of his office.
Kitty Pride sat in an elegantly decorated room, on an equally elegant couch, on the second floor of the Hellfire Club. There were red walls, a grand piano in the right corner, and a fireplace on the center wall. The left wall was lined with bookcases, filled with books and other decorative knick-knacks. They were only broken up by the presence of two large windows, which let in an abundance of natural light.
However, what was drawing her attention was the woman preparing their tea. She had dark black hair, pinned up in a bun on top of her head. And she was wearing black underwear, a black corset, and thigh-high black boots.
'How can that be comfortable?' she asked herself.
'It's not,' a female voice replied in her mind as walked over with two saucers with tea cups upon them. She blinked, surprised. She quickly looked over at Rogue, who nodded at her encouragingly as she took the saucer presented to her. 'I'm Sage. Rogue asked me to establish a mental link between the three of us. Though it will need to be used sparingly, as I am not the only telepath present in this house. She also informed me your mental defenses were lacking. I'm correcting the matter,' she explained.
'But why would you help us?' she asked as she took hold of the little saucer.
"Thank you for the tea," Rogue said as she reached over and squeezed her hand. "Tessa, was it?" Rogue asked.
"Yes, ma'am," she replied.
'Kitty, it's fine. I'll explain later under less treacherous circumstances,' Rogue thought as she took her hand back. "We appreciate Mr. Shaw making time for us today. Do you know when we should expect him?" Rogue asked.
"He had a pressing call to conclude. He should join us shortly," she said.
"Thank you," Rogue said, as she sipped some tea. "We just need to have patience," she said, nodding toward her.
"Okay," Kitty said before she meekly took a sip of her tea.
Magneto sat with Hank on the couch, in sub-level seven, focused on the task at hand. He was staring at the spreadsheet, attempting to discern if there were any sort of pattern to the data when Ororo came rushing into the room with Scott beside her.
"Is everything alright?" Hank asked.
"Jean is missing and Mystique may be responsible," Ororo explained.
"If she hurt her," Scott said, fuming next to Ororo, as he and Hank rose.
"One thing at a time, Scott," she said. "First, we need confirmation," she said as she took a step closer to him. "Do you know Rogue's given name?"
"Her first name only, I'm afraid. I regained that knowledge just this morning," he explained.
"It is Anna-Marie?" she asked.
"It is, yes," he confirmed.
"Then Mystique is involved," she said. "We're to meet Charles at Cerebro," she said before turning. "We must hurry," she said as she swiftly exited the room. Scott followed behind her. He and Hank shared a glance.
"Jean was acting rather odd this morning," Magneto commented as they followed them out into the hallway. Magneto used his powers to call on the elevator, the door opened instantly and with his abilities, he ensured it stayed there for their use.
"Odd how?" Hank asked as they rushed down the hallway.
"Lurking around corners, listening in on mine and Rogue's conversation," he explained as they piled into the lift. Scott turned to face him with an irate expression.
"And you didn't say anything?" Scott asked, as his fist banged against the wall. Ororo gave him a questioning glance as they pressed the button for Cerebor's floor.
"I thought it unusual, but left it with Rogue and you, if you recall," he said pointedly, staring down at the boy.
"Right," he said begrudgingly, as he backed down.
"Do you remember anything odd about her behavior? Anything that might indicate it wasn't Jean you were speaking with?" Hank asked.
"I'm not- I'm not sure," Scott fumbled as the elevator door opened.
"Hank, can you call the school?" Magneto asked as Scott and Ororo exited. "Confirm if Rogue is in attendance?" he asked as he left the lift, holding the door open with his abilities.
"And Kitty," Scott added.
"Anyone else?" Hank asked, remaining in the elevator.
"Amara," Ororo asked. "Jean usually takes them to school," she said.
"I'll check on all three," Hank said before the door swiftly closed. He turned to follow Ororo and Scott towards Cerebro.
"Ororo, did you notice anything out of the ordinary this morning?" he asked as he caught up to her. He watched her eye shift back and forward before they widened. "What is it?" he asked.
"The cat," she exclaimed.
"Wonderful," he said with an annoyed groan.
"What's so weird about a cat?" Scott asked.
"Mystique is able to assume the forms of animals, as well as humans," he explained. "So, tell me, Ororo, what sensitive information did the cat overhear?" he asked. She let out a sigh.
Kitty, from her seat on the couch, watched as Rogue stood as the door opened. In walked the man she had seen from the window earlier. Attached to his arm was a woman with long blonde hair. She was as scantily clad as Sage, only her outfit was white instead of black. Kitty watched as Rogue retrieved a pair of black gloves from her back pocket and pulled them on her hands.
"Mr. Shaw," Rogue said, extending her now gloved hand. "Thank you again for meeting with us on such short notice," she said as he took her hand and gave it a firm shake.
"The pleasure is mine," he said. "Miss Rankin, is it?" he asked.
"That's my maiden name, yes," she answered as they took a step back from one another. "Please call me Mrs. Eisenhardt," she said as Rogue sat back down.
"A pleasure indeed, Mrs. Eisenhardt," he said as they sat. "And who is your husband?" he asked, as he snapped his fingers. Sage promptly poured him a cup of tea.
"His name is Max," she explained as Sage brought the tea over to Shaw. "Though, you'd know him better by his mutant name," she said.
"Which is?" he asked before he took a sip from his cup.
"Magneto," she answered with a grin. Rogue watched as Shaw coughed uncomfortably. He recovered as Rogue glanced up at Sage, gesturing with her teacup.
"You're correct. I've heard of your husband," he said, as Sage approached Rogue with the teapot.
"Most people have," she said as Sage leaned down slightly in front of her. "Your perfume is divine," she commented. "Is that sage?" she asked as her cup was refilled. Kitty's eyes darted to Shaw as he let out a low chuckle. Kitty quickly looked at Rogue, to see she was studying Shaw's reaction, just as she had.
"It's Joy by Jean Patou. A mere fifty bottles are produced per year. A fitting gift for my darling Tessa for her numerous years of service. It's been nearly a decade, hasn't it? Where does the time go?" he asked jovially.
"It does tend to fly by," Rogue agreed, an uneasy smile on her face.
"Tessa, when did I purchase that for you?" he asked.
"Six years, two months, and five days ago, Sebastian," she answered.
"She is, truly," he said holding out his own cup. Sage saw and headed towards him with the teapot. "The perfect personal assistant. I don't know what I'd do if I were deprived of her company," he said as he watched her refill his cup. "Tessa has become invaluable to me over the years," he said. Kitty's eyes darted to the blonde woman standing behind him as she let out an annoyed little huff.
"As are both of my girls," he added, taking her hand before he placed a brief kiss on the back of her hand. She beamed down at him before he let go of her hand.
'He acts like he owns them,' Kitty thought disgusted, as she fought to keep herself from visibility wincing.
'He does,' Sage's voice stated, her tone dejected.
"Now to business," Shaw said turning back to Rogue.
'That is- that is not okay,' she thought.
'Kitty, calm yourself,' Rogue reprimanded while keeping her eyes on Shaw.
"You said you had a counter-offer for me. Am I to assume you know the particulars of the original agreement?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed Sage.
"I absorbed them myself from Mystique," she answered.
"I see," he said, turning his attention back to Rogue.
"I believe both of us want the same thing, Mr. Shaw," she said. "In regards to Jean Grey," she added, placing her cup back on the coffee table.
"And what would that be, Mrs. Eisenhardt?" he asked.
"My mother, ill-advisedly, put your organization in the middle of, what can best be described as, a family matter. The secret Jean stumbled upon, that Mystique attempted to prevent her from relaying to me, I've already known for some time. Rendering the service you were hired to provide, moot, at best," she said. "I believe, my mother should compensate you for wasting your time," she said. "And I'd like to ensure you receive those funds today, for the privilege of explaining that to her myself," she said.
"How much?" he asked.
"We'll get to that. But first I need proof of life," she demanded. Shaw stared at her for a long moment as he crossed one foot over his other knee.
"If I were to bring Miss Grey into the room, what is to prevent you from taking her and fleeing in earnest?" he asked.
"The Xavier Institute's address is a matter of public record. Someone with your resources could effortlessly locate us and, if so inclined, exact revenge for any perceived grievance against your organization. It's in the X-Men's best interest for us to part as friends, Mr. Shaw," she said. His lips curved upwards before he let out a loud laugh.
"Sensible," he exclaimed. "I can do business with such a judicious woman," he grinned.
"Better me than my husband," she said. "He ain't as friendly as I am," she warned with a grin. He chuckled again.
"Should the compensation be adequate that won't be necessary," he said. "Emma, fetch our guest," he ordered with a snap of his fingers.
"At once, Sebastian," the blonde woman said.
Cutting it off here for now! More to come! Please let me know your thoughts!
Speaking of which!
Tfranco9: THANK YOU! Really thank you so much! Rogue's powers really are unlimited. I agree, she should be an Omega! Her run in legacy, when they let her take charge, and protect the school was SO GOOD! I want more of that, yes, please! Anyway, I'm so glad you're enjoying it and here is more! Please let me know your thoughts if you can!