Disclaimer: All characters belong to Marvel or Red Witch, the creator of the Misfitverse. Except Mini-Kitty, who is sort of mine. And the new clone.
Author's note: Christmas Eve, the sixth night of Hannukah. Complete with guest stars, reunions, and the second clone revealed!

Christmas Eve and the Sixth Night of Hannukah

Over the next few days, Kitty, Lockheed, Dani, Sarah, and Mini-Kitty, whom the group had taken to calling Luna, spent most of their time together. Sometimes, Rogue would join them to avoid the chaos elsewhere, and made friends with Sarah, surprisingly. The two had both been raised by people other than their real parents, and had forged a bond between the two of them. One such night when the six were together was this night, Christmas Eve.

Most of the group had gone home - Scott, Jean, Amara, Forge, Jamie, Sam, Roberto, and Bobby had all gone to spend time with their families. For Tabby and Ray, the mansion was their home now, and they'd opted to stay, despite Sam's offer to take them home with him to meet his family, but Ray had declined, and Tabby had told him she'd still be there when he got back. All of the adults - Professor Xavier, Warren, Storm, Beast, and Logan - remained at the mansion, as had Kitty herself, Luna, Kurt, Peter, Rogue, and Remy. With only thirteen residents (and Dani and Sarah, of course), they had hoped things would be relatively calm and normal for Christmas.

They might as well have hoped it would rain maple syrup.

As everyone gathered on Christmas Eve in the Living Room, Kitty, Dani, Sarah, and Luna having just celebreated Hannukah in her room, there was a sudden glow in the air. Three figures appeared.

cried the first.

The blue mutant was up in a flash.

Amanda ran over to her boyfriend and embraced him. I missed you!

And I you, he responded.

Margali sighed, while Dr. Strange, the third figure, only chuckled. Ah, young love.

Xavier looked up from his wheelchair. And what, pray tell, brings you here?

Amanda insisted on seeing her boyfriend for Christmas, said Margali with a sigh. We couldn't say no. Especially when she threatened to use her magic and just come here herself if we didn't bring her.

Barumpbump'd better not be here too, said Logan with a growl.

No, Benny and my husband are currently in suspended animation in my living room, said Margali with a sigh. We figured it was the only way to get them out of our hair and keep them from causing trouble.

And out of the liquor cabinet, said Dr. Strange with a sigh. Otherwise, we'd come home to find Margali's husband in need of rehab. Like Tabitha's mother the last time we were here.

Don't remind me, Tabby groaned.

The doorbell rang.

I'll get it, Kitty sighed. She opened the door. Mr. Burke?

Kurt groaned. Didn't this happen a few months ago?

Oh come on, Burke said. I'm your dad. I promise not to get drunk this time.

Where have I heard that before? Margali muttered.

Rogue sighed. Excuse me. Ah'm going for a walk.

I'll go with you, chere, said Remy, moving to follow her.

Take one more step and Ah'll break your legs, Swamp Rat, replied Rogue. She stormed out.

What's with her? asked Warren.

After the last big celebration, she's been dreading this one. Xavier shook his head. Let her be. She deserves some time alone.

Sarah gave him a look. I'll go with her. She pulled her coat on, and ran out the door.

Outside, Rogue heard someone coming after her. Swamp Rat! she growled.

Sewer rat is more like it, said Sarah as she caught up to her friend.

Oh. Sorry. Didn't know it was you.

Holidays getting you down?

Rogue nodded. Ah wish things were the way they were last Christmas. Just me and Scott, tracking down Warren in New York...

Sounds like fun, replied Sarah. I wish I'd been there. I would have kicked Magneto's butt.

Rogue sighed. Don't mention him, please. It's bad enough knowing he's mah father.

apologized Sarah. Want to go hang out at the gazebo? I think I left some targets back there.

Rogue grinned. Now you're talking!

***


Back inside, things were relatively normal. Dr. Strange and Xavier were discussing how they put up with students who drove them nuts. Logan and Warren had vanished somewhere, and Kitty could have sworn she heard the sounds of pool coming from the direction of the Danger Room. Remy was standing in the corner, Tabby was looking bored, Peter and Luna had gone over to the tree, and Kurt was talking to Amanda. Ray was talking to Storm on the couch, while Beast and Matt Burke had completely vanished, probably down to Beast's lab, leaving only Kitty herself, along with Dani and Lockheed, to find something to do.

A noise came from upstairs. Within moments, Kitty, Dani, and the dragon were up there. Kitty opened her door.

A little girl sat on the floor, rubbing her head. Where am I? she asked.

The girl got up, allowing Kitty, Dani, and Lockheed their first good look at her. The girl, upon seeing Lockheed, screamed, and a hex-bolt shot from her hand. The door closed before it could hit them, and it did nothing.

Kitty looked at Dani and the dragon with a strange look on her face. It's a Mini-Wanda, Kitty said. I guess we know who the second clone is now.

Maybe she'll respond if we send Luna in, said Dani. They're the same age, after all.

Kitty nodded. Good idea. You two wait here, I'll be back.

Moments later, she and Luna were back. The clone looked nervous. Are you sure I can do this? she asked.

Kitty nodded. I trust you, Luna. You can do it.

Luna smiled, took a deep breath, and stepped through the door. Literally.

When five minutes had gone by without any screams, Kitty peered in. She smiled, and pulled her head back through.

They're talking, she said. Luna's got her calmed down.

Suddenly, the door opened. Luna was standing there. You can come back in now, she said. She said it's just fine.

Dani and Kitty shrugged, and walked in. Lockheed followed them.

Mini-Wanda gave them a smile. she said.

Hello yourself, said Kitty, sitting down next to the little girl. How are you?

I'm just fine, said the little girl. She looked at Lockheed, and her eyes went wide.

Don't worry, said Dani. This is Lockheed. He's friendly.

The dragon snorted, but flew down and landed on the bed. He held his head down, allowing Mini-Wanda to pet him. She laughed when he licked her ear.

Kitty smiled. It was like having another sister around. Come on, she said. Let's go downstairs.

The five went downstairs. Xavier looked over, and groaned before wheeling himself over.

Logan mentioned another clone was coming. I take it this is her?

Mini-Wanda looked at him strangely.

Kitty nodded. The cloning machine activated again. But it won't happen again.

So I heard. Xavier looked thoughtful. If the real Wanda has no objections when we ask her, yes, this one can stay too.

All right! Kitty cheered. Thank you!

Xavier groaned inwardly. What have I gotten myself into now?

***


Back outside, in the gazebo, a pair of yellow eyes watched Rogue and Sarah as they laughed together, throwing snowballs at the targets Sarah had set up.

Sarah tensed suddenly. A single bone blade popped out from her wrist, and she pulled it out, looking around. Who's there?

A raven landed in front of the two. It grew, as its shape changed.

spat Rogue.

Mystique gave them a look. Can't a mother stop by to see her children on Christmas?

You don't care for us except as weapons, mother, snarled Rogue. Get out before Ah throw you out.

The shapeshifter sighed. I came to see you, all right? At least allow me to say this. Merry Christmas. She looked around. Go to the Brotherhood house. I left some things there for you and your brother. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. And despite what you may think about me, I do care. Why else would I go to such extremes to see you, again and again? She shifted into her raven form again, and flew off.

Think we should go? asked Sarah.

Rogue sighed. Why not? It'll give us something to do.

Sounds like fun to me. Just hold on a second. She tossed the bone blade over her shoulder, then turned around. What do you know. Bullseye!

About ten minutes later, the two girls arrived in front of the old Brotherhood Boarding House. Rogue turned to Sarah. Be my guest.

Sarah nodded, and pulled open the door.

I knew you'd come, my child, said a voice inside.

Rogue's eyes widened. Is that you?

Irene Adler, AKA Destiny, walked into the light. It's me, Rogue. For real this time.

Rogue ran in to hug her, being careful of her super strength. Ah've missed you, Irene!

And I have missed you, my child, replied the precog.

Sarah closed the door behind them, and watched as the two embraced. She smiled, and wished she could see her own mother, Callisto.

Irene stepped back from the two. You will, my dear. This I promise.

Sarah's eyes teared up. Thank you, she whispered.

Well, here's chapter seven... Christmas Eve! Guest appearances, Mini-Wanda, Mini-Kitty's new name, and the development of a friendship between Rogue and Sarah (you didn't think I'd let Kitty hog her, did you?). As well as the Kurt/Amanda reunion. Next up: Christmas morning! Revelations, family and friendships, and the beginning of the end for this fic. Only three more chapters to go at this point. I should be done before Christmas if this keeps up. Happy Holidays, everyone.