Alright, I've decided to try something rather new. But first, a bit of background information: I write this story as a bit of a break from my other two; because, when I first saw X-Men: Evolution, I was intrigued by the possibilities that lie in a character like Rogue; and because I'm obsessed (thanks to Dune) with Prophecy, Messiah, and the Enigma of ancient Religions. I warn you, the beginning of this story is rather slow, but later on it will be rather fast-paced (an inspiration from a bit of Dragonball Z/GT, but not much). And so, without further ado, I begin this story...please tell me if it is terrible. I don't own X-Men: Evolution.

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Children of an Ancient Prophecy

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Ch. 1: The Arrival

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Though it was late fall, and very near to winter, the air was dry and rather warm. Pedestrians crossed the street clad in rather summery clothes, while others sought refuge either inside air-conditioned buildings or in whatever shade one could find. It was bright and sunny and warm, the perfect day to lounge about in shorts, a tank top, and sandals.

Kaia witnessed all of this as she trudged along the street, the hood of her black sweatshirt pulled soundly over her head. Her weather-stained sneakers kicked at a few pebbles here and there, and her faded jeans stuck out among these other, better-dressed people who glanced her way as if daring her to exist. She ignored them as she continued on, searching for that Place she had seen.

The street seemed to stretch on up a rather large hill, but the trek did not deter her. She had lived her life as a wanderer since before she could remember. Some had called her "homeless", but that was something she didn't really understand. The road was her home! That meant she had a home, didn't it? But then, some had called her an "orphan", and that time she had neither an explanation, nor an answer.

And so she continued on up the hill to the gates, hoping against hope this was a Place for her.

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"Logan, I need you to do a favor for me."

Logan looked up from the newspaper, his eyebrows raised questioningly as he gazed across the breakfast table at Professor Xavier. The Professor sat brooding in his wheelchair, eyes furrowed in concentration as he clasped his hands on the table. Although always interesting to see the Professor's powers at work, the other students present resumed their eating.

"I've got nothing better to do," Logan replied with a shrug as he set his paper down and took a long, final drink of coffee. "What is it?"

"I believe we have a visitor. Do go and invite her in, would you?" the Professor said as he sat back.

With a sigh, Logan stood and stretched. "Out by the gate, then?"

The Professor nodded, then watched Logan go. "Ah, I see Rogue is not with us today?" Professor X said as he scanned the table.

"You know Rogue," Kitty said, looking up from her cereal. "Very anti-social, anti-breakfast, anti-just-about-everything."

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Rogue walked with an unusual spring to her step as she strode happily down the stairs, a smile on her face. It was rare for her to smile at all, let alone be happy in the mornings, but from the moment she woke up that morning she knew something special would happen that day. She felt something stir in the back of her mind once again, as if trying to remember something important, but ignored it. Probably a memory from all those "others" in there.

She danced her fingers along the banister, then laughed as she saw Logan striding rather importantly towards the doors. "Where ya off to, Logan?" she called happily.

"Amazingly chipper, aren't you, kid?" he answered as he pushed the doors open. "I'm the Errand Boy today. It seems we have a visitor."

Visitor.

The word stirred something in Rogue's mind again.

"Can I come, too?"

"Whatever," Logan's back answered as the door began to close.

Giggling, Rogue ran down the stairs, jumping the last three, and ran out the door to catch up with Logan. "A visitor, huh?" she said as she matched his stride. "What kind of visitor?"

"We'll soon find out," Logan replied with a casual shrug.

The gate loomed closer.

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Maybe I should go.

Having been "denied" by the voice box and the locked gate, Kaia had decided it best to turn around and leave at once, but something held her there. She turned back to the gate and started when she saw two figures, a man and a young girl, waving at her. Curious, she pressed her face against the bars, shouldering her tattered backpack.

"Hey, you!" the man called. The girl, looking no older than Kaia, ran to the gate, stopping nearly a foot away to observe the new visitor.

"I'm Rogue," the girl said, cocking her head. Kaia noted a southern accent. "Do you know you've got a blue eye and a green eye?"

"You've gotta forgive Rogue. She usually has a dark personality," the man said, coming up behind Rogue.

"Thanks, Logan," Rogue replied with a frown. "Open the gate, will ya?"

Growling, Logan pressed a button located to the side of the gate. Instantly, the gate opened inwards.

As Rogue stepped forward to greet Kaia, something pulled at Kaia's mind. Have I seen her before?

Shrugging the thought away, she returned Rogue's smile. "I'm Kaia."

"Hiya. Like I said, I'm Rogue, and this," she said, pointing to the large building behind her, "is Professor X's Institute for Talented Youngsters."

"Don't worry," Kaia said, "I already know that."

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Well? What do you guys think? Please Review!