Rogue came into my room and I awoke from my dream. I had seen someone I knew before…who was it? It vanished with her voice.

"I've got the letter here, mama. If you like, I'll stay and read it with you."

I shook my head. "No, Rogue, I need to be alone with Destiny."

She handed me the letter, then gave me an impulsive hug and left. I took a few minutes to recover and started reading.

"My dear friend,

Please don't be angry.

I know you are. I know you think you must be, but please, listen.

I had a vision when Rogue left. Worlds opened up before you, and sparkled. You had a thousand possibilities, from joining the X-men to starting a new life in Alaska to falling to your death from the Empire State Building.

Then you dropped deep into depression. I couldn't pull you out, and you wouldn't listen to me any more. So I sought a vision.

Your possibilities had shrunk to two. Be united with your children again and have a chance to live, or remain where we were and commit suicide.

I had to do what I did. I had to save you, Mystique. We are friends. I couldn't let it all end like this. I knew the rest of the Brotherhood would be okay. The X-men would let them go once they saw we were doing nothing wrong.

Do you know how much I hurt, watching you die a little each day?

Goodbye, dear friend. Remember me a little, with kindness, once you can forgive me.

--Destiny"

I put down the letter, shaking. Oh, Destiny…was I really that bad? Did you need to do this? I did not know what to think. My right hand shook.

My eyes were heavy and hurt. I brushed back a tear or two and she came to me in a golden meadow.

Mystique?

--I am here. What happened?--

She chuckled. I left for a while. I came back to talk to you.

It made sense. –What do we need to say? –

Do you forgive me for making you live?

I paused. –I do not know. The children…it is good to see Rogue again.—

How is she?

--She seems well. She has someone supporting her.—

Good. Pause. And Kurt? Have you told him anything yet?

--A little. Not much. I feel I have already spoken far too much about him.—

Tell him everything. I dare you. She winked.

--I do not know.—

Mystique, afraid of a dare?

I nodded. –All right. I will try.—

Good. He comes to wake you. Answer his questions. Heal yourself. Live.

I woke up with a gasp, and I was not alone.