GambitGirl2008: Thanks. You'll have to find out about Rogue in this chapter.
Purity Black: Watch for the New Mutants to make more appearances, and look for Gambit soon.
enchantedlight: Thanks.
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A few days passed before Rogue could even show herself after the power surge.
Everyone was concerned for her, checking on her and offering her things. Rogue just wanted them to leave her alone. Her mind was chaotic, her happiness was shattered, and all she could think about was how much she'd lost.
On the brighter side, she had helped Jean more or less. Everyone had. But the redhead had personally thanked Rogue, even though her memories of the whole event were fuzzy. Jean still knew the younger girl had risked a lot to save her. But Rogue had lost so much.
She did however; gain a dose of Jean's powers. When the redhead had thanked her, Rogue had neglected to inform Jean that she had ripped a part of her away. Many of the more obvious things were her telepathy and telekinesis, as well as some deep feelings for Scott. It caused Rogue to feel even more awkward when she got close to Scott. It had only been a few months ago that she had considered him hot, smart, loyal, a little too serious, and kind. She still considered him all of those things, but her early crush on him had mostly dissolved. Especially with Remy LeBeau in the picture.
Now though, because Rogue already felt so fond of Scott because of his attempts to reach out to her before she joined the X-men, plus Jean Grey's feelings, she was very interested in Scott Summers.
She couldn't help it. From studying with him, to doing three straight days of dishes just to be next to him, to watching him shirtless in his swim trunks by the pool. Rogue almost felt like she was getting obsessed, but it was hard to stop. Neither Jean nor Rogue would've acted been that obsessed with Scott Summers, but because of Rogue's faded crush and Jean's hidden feelings, they combined to drive Rogue closer to the man in red shades.
It had finally come to Rogue's attention that she needed to put her interest back into other guys. Not of course dating, because of many complications. But to get her mind off Scott, she would need to focus on other guys, in hopes of her partially forced attraction to him to subside some.
So Rogue looked at her choices as she rested on her bed, the night before everyone separated for the holidays. Well, not everyone.
Hmmm, let's see. Bobby's funny, nice, a prankster. He's a hunk and a guy who knows how to make you feel good, but Ah think Jubilee is get close to him. Lance's is hunky too, and kinda sweet, but Ah think Kitty's starting to get all over him. Especially after Ah caught the two in their swim wear, on the floor, almost in lip lock Kitty had protested that they were wet and had slipped into each other. Ah didn't believe it for one second. And it seems most of the other guys are getting close to someone. Sam's been talking to that Wolfsbane girl a lot, even though they're on opposite sides. Amara and Roberto are getting close, too. Jamie turned fourteen a little while ago, but he's still a year younger than meh. There is Kurt and Evan. The have their good qualities but Ah just don't think they're mah type.
So Rogue finally figured she'd simply have to find the Cajun, wherever he was.
A lot had happened in the past few weeks. Tabitha Smith, the new recruit known as Boom Boom, had left the Institute after a problem with her father. Supposedly, she'd joined the Brotherhood. But as one left, another came. A new teacher from Bayville High, Hank McCoy, had joined under the codename of Beast. He was a new instructor.
Rogue slid off her bed, ready to make another appearance, while trying to fend off all the sympathies and sad glances and offered kindness. She wasn't one to show weakness, at least not in public.
The two wrist long black gloves rested on her dresser. Rogue put them on, reminding herself that she would not cry anymore, and that she'd already dealt with this before.
So that was how it was. Rogue was excited at the small joys of her new telekinesis, although the telepathy had caused her some problems, being able to hear strong thoughts from people close by.
But she had lost her control. No more could she touch someone without hurting them. Her personal and newfound bliss had washed away, leaving a wake of sorrow. Her friends kept her from depression, but none of them could halt her tears.
But Rogue had handled being untouchable before, so she could do it again. Despite the overall gloominess that plagued her, she knew it would be better if she tried to overcome it.
Rogue moved toward the door just as someone knocked on it from the other side.
"Rogue, you awake? I just wanted to see how you were doing." Scott called from the other side.
Dammit Scott! If I don't let him in he might get mad or feel rejected or whatever. But if I let him in, there's no telling what might happen!
Rogue cleared her scattered thoughts, and calmly opened the door.
"Oh, uh hey Scott. Ah was just gonna go and try to join some holiday spirit." Rogue stated a little dully. Scott gave her a doubtful look.
"Rogue, I can understand how hard it is for you right now. Take your time to feel better, there's plenty of time for holiday stuff. Plus, almost the whole Institute will be empty soon." Scott added with a playful smile.
"Yeah, Ah guess it'll just be me, you, Mr. McCoy, the Professor, and Lance. Logan will probably ride off to somewhere." Rogue agreed, wondering what she could do. Scott smiled and then started to rub the back of his shoulder. "You sore, Scott?"
"Yeah, I guess. I don't know if I trained to hard or what." Scott answered absent mindedly as he kept rubbing.
"Ah can give you a massage." The now untouchable mutant suggested. Rogue half expected Scott to look a little hesitant, but actually he gave a sigh of relief.
"Great, thanks Rogue. I could really use it." Scott stated, sitting down on Kitty's unoccupied bed. Then he pulled his T-shirt off, and discarded it on the floor. As Scott turned his back toward Rogue, she couldn't help but give a sly smile.
Trying to focus on massaging, and not Scott, Rogue began her treatment. Her gloved hands moved along Scott's bare, broad shoulders, squeezing and rubbing, and doing whatever else she thought might relax him.
"Lye down, Scott." Rogue whispered, and her "client" did so, lying onto his stomach. Rogue's hands moved up and down Scott's long back, stroking and rubbing.
After a few moments, Scott was starting to really mellow out.
"Roll over." Rogue whispered flirtatiously almost. Scott must have not noticed, because he did as he was told, rolling onto his back.
Rogue's hands moved up and down, massaging his peck muscles, then his abs, and finally the front of his shoulders. It took all her aroused effort to not kiss Scott right then and there, in fear of hurting him.
She soon found herself almost on top of him, still massaging, but now she was above him on the bed, peering into the ruby shades with satisfied looks.
"Feeling any better, Rogue..."
Without even a knock, Kitty had phased right through the door.
Rogue froze on top of Scott, realizing she was busted.
"Kitty!!" Rogue screamed as she dove at her roommate. But the girl ha already disappeared through the door, leaving Rouge to slam her shoulder and then drop onto the floor.
Without any word to Scott, Rogue threw the door open and took off, calling her friend's name.
The brunette with the bouncing ponytail led Rogue down many halls, until she finally stopped and spun around to face her chasing roommate.
"What the hell was that back there?!!" Kitty demanded angrily. "Are you crazy Rogue?!! Jean would have your head for moving up on her boyfriend like that!"
"They're not a couple." Rogue muttered defensively, but quickly slapped her hand to her mouth.
"Rogue," Kitty started, changing her voice to that of concern. "I know he's like a total hunk, but you need to let him go."
"Ah'm not in love with him! It's because Ah'm Jean! No wait, Ah mean, that part of Jean that took her place in my head is making it really hard to resist Scott!" Rogue blurted, almost breaking into tears. Kitty quickly gave her a sympathetic look.
"So you mean Jean's in love with Scott?"
"Kinda, Ah guess. Her feelings clash with mine, and it results in this urge to be with Scott. Ah'm hoping it will pass soon."
Kitty put an arm around Rogue's shoulders.
"I'm sorry I freaked, Rogue. It was just weird. Don't worry, I'm not gonna tell everyone. It'll be are secret. And Scott's of course."
"Scott doesn't know that Ah snatched a part of Jean. And anyways, if any of this leaves your gossip lips, Ah'm gonna have to tell everyone about your little slippery cling to Lance the other day." Rogue threatened playfully. Kitty gaped.
"We were not getting it on!"
"You're hands were all over his body, and you two were about to kiss."
Kitty squealed and chased after Rogue as she dashed away. It felt good to be out of her room and having a little fun.
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The next day was very pleasing to Rogue.
It was gift day, so everyone exchanged his or her gifts with others. Kitty, under Ororo's tutelage and supervision, made a batch of holiday cookies for everyone during the exchange. There had been no reports of bad taste, texture, or anything. Almost everyone was amazed, and complimented Kitty on not throwing their stomachs with her usual food concoctions. It really ticked Kitty off that everyone thought she was an awful cook. But then again, everyone suggested she should try her own cooking once. Oddly, she had said she'd rather not.
Rogue had received some gifts as well. A nice necklace from Jean had made Rogue feel that Jean wasn't so bad after all, at least not like she had thought before. Scott had given her a very nice piece of jewelry, which had made Rogue blush. She gave him a sweater, feeling a little embarrassed at the big difference between gifts, but Scott had been very gracious. Bobby had given Rogue a pretty bracelet, and even a sweet hug. Rogue had returned the hug, until Bobby's hand had moved toward Rogue's butt. A slight knee to the groin had immediately disarmed the situation. But Rogue still gave him an air kiss.
So once after exchanging gifts with Kitty, and then watching Kurt kiss Bobby on attempt to pucker up with Kitty, everyone started to leave.
Rogue walked outside in her winter clothes, taking in a fresh breath of frosty air. Off to the side, Kitty and Lance were staring into each other's eyes. Even though they were trying to be secluded, Rogue quietly watched them.
"Are you sure that you don't want to come with me, Lance? I'm sure my parents won't mind." Kitty cooed, her hands resting on Lance's shoulders.
"No thanks, Kitty. You just enjoy your time with your parents." Lance answered, placing a hand on Kitty's cheek.
They shared a brief kiss, and then parted.
"I'll call you every night, Lance." Kitty stated, moving towards the group of students leaving.
"I'll look forward to that." Lance replied with a smirk. Kitty gave him a smile, and the dashed off.
Rogue moved over to Lance as he sighed deeply.
"That was really sweet, Lance. That girl sure knows how to bring out the softie in you." Rogue implied in a whisper.
"Yeah, I guess she does." Lance answered, rubbing the back of his head, a little embarrassed. Then he moved past Rogue and gave Kitty a wave.
What a great couple, Rogue thought happily. Her best friend and her closest old Brotherhood member.
Rogue joined Scott, Lance, Mr. McCoy, and the Professor as they waved to the students. Even though Scott and Lance were orphans and they didn't really have parents to visit, Rogue still hoped they would enjoy being home for the holidays. She would try to be good family. Although, she still felt a little sad too.
Two of Charles Xavier's nice limousines exited the mansion grounds a few minutes later, heading for the Bayville Airport, as a delivery truck entered just after. It pulled up in front of the two adults and three teens.
"Package for...uh, Rogue the chere." The deliveryman stated. Rogue gave an embarrassed and confused look.
"Yeah, um, Ah guess that would be me." Rogue quickly answered, taking the package. She said her thanks, but the man gave her a confused look as he eyed the package. Then he drove out through the Institute gates.
"Ah'll just open it later." Rogue suggested to the others around her, holding the package.
"Alright! Who's up for helping the Professor and me install Cerebro's new parts?" Mr. McCoy suddenly asked enthusiastically.
"I guess this is his idea of having a fun holiday." Scott remarked to Rogue, as the Professor and Hank entered the back into the foyer.
Scott and Rogue reluctantly joined with the others back inside the foyer, and then followed the two adults into the main living room. But the Professor was looking very serious along the way.
"Scott, Rogue, have any of you heard about the mysterious angel of New York?" He suddenly asked. Scott shook his head, but Rogue nodded a bit.
"Ah kinda heard about it. There was a small article in the paper yesterday. Ah only glanced at it." Rogue informed him.
"So what's on your mind, Professor?" Scott asked, intrigued
"I don't think this angel is of the heavenly variety." The Professor replied.
Rogue plopped down on a chair, as Mr. McCoy found a chess board and pieces and set them on the table.
"What, you think he's a demon?" Scott asked in response; as he sat down to play some chess with Mr. McCoy.
Rogue snorted, as she lay sideways in her chair.
"Yeah right."
"No Scott," the Professor started. "Even though I haven't used Cerebro lately, I fear this angel's activities might alert the public of the existence of mutants. Someone should go to the city. Maybe we can recruit him."
Scott, Rogue, and Lance all turned to the Professor.
"You want us to go track an angel?" Lance asked from the couch.
"Of course, Professor." Scott stated, being the loyal leader he was.
"Alright. Hank, can compile a list of all the angel sightings witnesses, names, addresses, that sort of thing. It might give these three a place to start." The Professor asked. Mr. McCoy nodded quietly.
Rogue sat silent in her chair.
An angel, huh? Wow, this should be interesting.
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Later in the afternoon of the next day, Rogue found herself exhausted as she sat in a hospital waiting room. Scott and Lance sat on both her sides.So far they had managed to talk to a few witnesses, get some information, but they hadn't really found the angel. The last report they'd watch had shown the angel save a family in a car crash along the bridge. Now they knew he was real.
But something had gone wrong, and the angel had accidentally knocked the girl off the bridge. He'd saved her, but the girl had to be transferred to a hospital.
It had been Rogue who suggested that they find out the hospital, figuring that the angel would stop by. Rogue figured that if he was so caring to do all that he did, then he would probably checking on the little girl.
"What was the guy's name again?" Lance suddenly asked aloud.
"Warren Worthington III." Scott replied informatively.
Rogue noticed a man watching a doctor talk to two adults. She also recognized them as the mother and father of the little girl.
But then something else caught her attention.
A single white feather sat on the ground just next to the man's feet.
"We'll be back soon. We're going to the church." The mother suddenly stated to the doctor. As the two worried parents exited the hospital, Rogue watched the man with the brown coat follow them.
"That's him!" Rogue whispered, nudging both Scott and Lance in the side at the same time. Then she pointed toward the man leaving after the couple.
"Are you sure?" Scott asked, standing up.
"Trust me, Ah'm sure." Rogue replied, and took off into a quick walk after the man. Scott and Lance quickly followed her out of the hospital.
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"He entered that church!" Rogue shouted to her teammates. The three X-men were already dressed in their battle uniforms, and ready to go.
Rogue glanced at Lance.
The rock tumbler had wanted to keep his Brotherhood uniform, but the Professor had made him change. Despite complaints of unfairness from the new recruits, Lance had received a more unique uniform, unlike the plain black with yellow uniforms the new recruits had. Just to stop their complaints, Hank had offered to get them their own unique uniforms soon.
Lance's uniform was black like Rogue's and Scott's, but there was still some difference. On his chest was a yellow "X" like Scott's. The uniform was sleeveless, baring Lance's tanned arms. That had been a slight problem after he'd change, being that it was in the twenties in the city. He had a dark blue belt around his waist, as well as dark blue gloves and boots.
Just as the three made it into the front parking lot, someone screamed from inside. Rogue figured it must have been the little girls mother.
Scott and Lance flung the double doors open, as Rogue dropped on one knee between them, scanning the premises.
Scott immediately fired at the familiar floating figure that was dragging the angel by a metal-chained chandelier.
Scott's optic blast knocked the previously missing X-men foe backwards, where he smashed through a circular window.
"So I guess Magneto's still in business." Lance remarked.
"Scott!! He's falling!!" Rogue shouted as the angel dropped toward the ground. Scott blasted apart some of the chains, enabling the winged man to flap one wing, softening his landing.
Scott, Rogue, and Lance quickly rushed over to him.
"Are you okay? Here, let me help you with that." Scott said quickly, waiting as Rogue and Lance helped the angel to his feet. With two quick optic blasts the chains were shattered, freeing him.
"Who are you people?" The winged man asked once he was freed. Before any of them could answer, Magneto floated back inside the cathedral.
"You fools! Have you learned nothing?" Magneto shouted bitterly. Metal object started to float up into the air around him. With a grunt, Magneto launched a few of his new projectiles at the group of younger mutants.
The four teens separated, as Magneto's projectiles crashed onto the ground.
Warren took off into the air, as metal chunks exploded out of a pillar. He escaped outside through a window, as the flying debris crashed behind him.
"A simple than you would have been nice." Rogue blurted, annoyed, as she joined Scott behind a pillar.
Scott moved around it, and fired an optic blast, which was blocked by a chunk of a pillar like a shield.
Warren suddenly appeared through the shattered window that Magneto had previously come through. The winged mutant tackled the master of magnetism in the air.
"Let him go Angel!" Scott ordered, waiting for him to move. Warren pushed off Magneto, as Scott fired a blast that knocked him into a pillar. Magneto grunted and dropped on the floor.
Slipping her glove off, Rogue took the opportunity to rush over to him. She slipped her hand inside Magneto's helmet, touching his face.
But unlike most of Rogue's previous absorbed people, Magneto grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand away. The older mutant kicked Rogue into the side of a pew.
Magneto gave her an angry look, which then changed to a look of surprise, as Rogue turned to face him with glowing eyes.
A few yards from Rogue, Lance sent a ground wave at the direction of the former head of the Brotherhood. Magneto was tossed to the side, but he regained himself before hitting the ground.
Rogue reached out towards Magneto, grabbing him with her new TK. It halted him, but he casted a chunk of debris toward her that almost crashed into her.
Magneto escaped out through the broken window, but with both her new telekinesis and absorbed powers, Rogue took off in flight, quickly chasing Magneto. Warren took after her, as Scott and Lance exited the church to follow on foot.
So the chase went on as Rogue dodged Magneto's attempts to slow her down. But the he disappeared around a building, leaving Rogue alone. She glanced around until the sound of crunching metal came from behind her. Rogue spun around, only to be batted down by a bird's head statue.
Rogue regained herself, and floated lower toward the ground. But she could feel Magneto's powers draining away from her. She looked up at the master of magnetism. Before she could attack or retreat, he unleashed a magnetic pulse.
Rogue was slammed toward the ground, just as Magneto's powers faded. She cried out as her free fall continued.
There was the swoop of wings, and then Rogue was caught in Warren's strong arms.
Gazing into his eyes, Rogue wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I think you really are an angel."
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Only about twenty minutes later, Rogue stood next to Lance, Scott, and Warren, as they watched the now awake little girl in her hospital room.
"I saw him, in my dreams." The little girl said quietly.
"Saw who, sweetheart?" The mother asked.
"My angel, he came to see me." She replied.
Rogue smiled and wiped a tear from her cheek. Warren then started to leave.
"Are you sure you don't want to come?" Scott asked again to Warren.
"It would be great if you did. There's so much the Professor could teach you." Rogue insisted.
A strange sensation cam over her, but she quickly ignored it.
Please come Warren, it would be great. Ah'm sure you'd like it at the Xavier Institute, Rogue thought, or sent. She suddenly realized she'd spoken in telepathy, and she just might have changed Warren's mind.
"Actually, I think I will. Come to my place so I can pack my stuff." Warren suddenly said.
"Oops." Rogue whispered to herself.
"Uh, alright, sure." Scott added, surprised by the sudden change of choice.
Warren headed outside, the other three following him.
Whoa, I wonder if Jean ever tried this, Rogue thought, a little amused.
Rogue knew she might have to tell the Professor, but she was really starting to like Warren. He was single, and Rogue still needed a guy to focus on. Unless the Cajun was planning on making an appearance soon. Then she remembered the package; pretty much certain he had sent it.
Oh well, Ah'm just going to have to wait to open the package. But at least Ah know of something to occupy myself with, Rogue thought as she smiled at Warren. He smiled back as well.
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A/N: And it seems Rogue's starting to like a bunch of guys. Anyways, it seems Warren has joined the X-men, a little different than the show. Wanda's up next, but expect somethings to be different between the Brotherhood and X-men. Also, Magneto's team of Acolytes are very different. And don't forget about the mystery person who's been watching Rogue. Questions welcomed, and please review.