The Long Flight Home

Disclaimer: I don't own the X-Men or Evolution.

This story takes place right after the events of the "Cajun Spice" episode

I'm really bad at accents so forgive me in advance for not even trying.

I like many on the Animation Insider Boards was looking for some resolution to the last scene of Impact. This is my take on what happened next.

:used to indicate private thoughts:

Chapter Two - Revelation

"Will you ever tell him you did it to protect him?" All three mutants in the cockpit froze when Scott's question came from the speaker.

Rogue answered uneasily, "What do you mean.." Scott's breathing was coming easier now when he spoke again. "You did it to protect him from her, didn't you? It wasn't about you at all."

Rogue shouted, "You don't know what you're talking about!" But Scott saw the desperation in her eyes. Scott pushed on, "If I was in your shoes and it was just me - no Kurt in the picture - I'd probably free Mystique after a while to teach her a lesson." Scott softened his tone trying not to sound like he was accusing her, "But it's because of Kurt you pushed her off the cliff, isn't it? YOU could endure her torture but would do anything to prevent it happening to him. I can't say for sure but I think I'd do it for Alex or Kurt."

Rogue sat for a long time lost in her thoughts. She was so tired - and it wasn't just from being dragged around New Orleans and the swamp by Gambit. She was tired of the lies she was telling the Professor and herself - and everyone else. She thought she could keep the truth from Xavier, but realized she was just deceiving herself - a telepath of his power could root out any secrets she tried to keep. There was a long pause then Rogue answered, "Yes, I did it to protect him. I've seen what she does to him - how easily he trusts her. It's natural for someone to want to meet their real mom who was thought to be lost. I guess you'd understand that with Alex."

Kurt pulled himself into a small ball and wanted to scream :No: over and over again. He had doubted Rogue - thought her selfish all this time. Now he knew why she did it - for him. A deep shame filled him. :Why for me?:

Scott waited for Rogue to continue - he felt he had said enough tonight and was going to keep his big mouth shut for the rest of the trip.

"When we were in the desert fighting Magneto over the super soldier regenerator, He got Kurt to not blow up the machine by just using her name against him. Magneto was restored to a younger age and Logan had to pull the pin to destroy it so it wouldn't be used again."

Scott made a mental note - :What the heck is she talking about - Magneto and super soldiers. Just nod and look like you know what's going on.:

Rogue continued, "I could deal with her head trips and mind games but I won't stand for her messing with him. He doesn't know her like I do. I've been in her head and seen only a hunger for power. Maybe there is something more to her then that, maybe she does care more for him then me since he's really her child, but I didn't want to risk him falling into her clutches. Not after all he's done for me - accepting me as a sister. Helping me fit into the team despite how I try to push him and everyone else away. Making me feel worthy of someone's affection - even if it is from an annoying little brother." Her tears started again. "I'd kill her a thousand times over to keep him safe from her." She sobbed openly. "But it doesn't matter - I could break her into a million pieces, grind her into sand and she still has a grip on him from the grave."

Scott reached out and pulled Rogue to him as she continued to cry. She held on tight to his arms as the rush of emotions washed over her. :It was done. The truth was out - now Scott knows and I'll probably be kicked off the X-men - who would want to be a teammate to a murderer? But Kurt was safe from the real Mystique, not the mom of his imagination and it was worth it to her. It felt good to say all these things out loud and she was glad Scott was the one she confided in. If Scott could have figured this out as dense as he is, the rest of the team would have seen through her lies eventually.:

Scott held Rogue and rubbed her back as her tears kept flowing. :At least I got one of them to deal openly with this disaster. But what of Kurt? What a mess I've made for him. I'll be lucky if the Professor makes me cut the grass to earn my keep and live in a tent after this stunt.:

Ororo had walked up next to Kurt who still was rocking in a fetal position, now sobbing out loud. He was startled when she softly called his name. He looked out the front of the plane again and as he spotted the mansion, Kurt disappeared in a cloud of smoke without a word.

Logan muttered, "There's going to be hell to pay for this one when Chuck finds out." He punched the comm link to the Mansion's med lab. "Hank, clear all the students out of the landing bay - NO exceptions. And prep a stretcher for Cyke." Mr. McCoy's voice sounded back, "Acknowledged. And the nature of the injury.?" Logan responded, "Some fisticuffs - I'm not sure how bad. Landing in four minutes."

Scott heard the engines cycling as the plane prepared to land. Rogue had stopped crying and let him go, kneeling on the floor. "You ok?" he asked gently. She was wiping the tears from her face and answered, "Not really.. But I might be later." Scott stood and unlocked the door. She asked in quaking voice, "Thank you for listening to me and for trying to stick up for me. Scott, will you do me a big favor?" He nodded his head yes. "Will you tell Jean she's the luckiest girl I know?", Rogue whispered as a small smile appeared on her face. She stood and walked towards the exit ramp of the Blackbird. Scott noticed that Kurt was not visible in the main passenger compartment but he could smell the trace amount of brimstone marking his friend's exit.

Scott watched as Storm opened the Blackbird hatch door and flew out as the plane hovered above the landing bay entrance; she was obviously on the search for Kurt. He hoped in his heart the brother and sister could find a way to forgive his interference in their business. The Blackbird landed and Scott held his sides, again regretting the stupid things he said tonight. :Time to pay the piper: Scott grimaced and he walked towards the stretcher Mr. McCoy was rolling his way.

Author's notes: Please read and review: Send any and all grammar corrections please.

This is second of ten chapters. I plan to post them in groups of two and three. Still fine tuning next batch - should be up in a week or so.