Oh god, I haven't updated in soooo long, I am a disgrace to the readers and especially reviewers and someone should punish me! I hope you can all forgive me, I will try to get the next chappie out faster to make it up. I'll try. I am a horrible, lazy person and I apologise profusely.

With a plea for your mercy,

Miss P

UnknownSource: You promised! I'm sad now. :(

Ishandahalf: I liked writing Kurt going ape at Jean, it was great fun! Logan is coming up next chapter, and he's not very happy! Thanks for all the yay!s, it's so sweet!

Epona: Thankyou so much, it's really nice when people say stuff like that!

Tiamat11: Thanks for your help on Piotr, and the encouragement about action scenes. They're sooo annoying!

WeebleWobble Chic: It's ok, I forgive you!

Klaus: Hey, everyone, say hi to my dad! And his name's not Klaus, you are so silly! About the Rogue fave thing, aaw, how'd you guess? Again with the action, mmuuurrr, it just never seems to sound right, but if everyone else likes it, then I guess it's ok by me! Ha! I am dramatic! That's why I MADE THE PLAY! Mwa ha ha ha!

Disclaimer: If you're that determined to sue me, check previous chapters :p

A man stood by the wall, motionless. He had his hands behind his back and his gaze was fixed, as though he was looking out a window only he could see. He rarely got time to himself, just to think. He needed it, too, more so than most. Oh but don't get me wrong, he was a man-of-the-moment; he could easily focus on a task at hand. But it meant that although having time to think was nice, and time given was valued, it wasn't essential. So it wasn't needed.

Then again, he was the boss. Why not demand not to be disturbed and lock himself some quiet time? After all, the boss needs to keep his head. No wonder he had nothing to show for his years, if he couldn't even have some time alone with his own mind.

"Yo metal man, what's the crisis?"

"I t'ought you said we got some free time t'day! I had t'ings planned!"

But then again, perhaps with men like his, thinking could bring about doubts that really needed to be repressed for the moment. In fact it could probably lead to his insanity. Better to avoid the thing altogether.

He slowly and reluctantly turned to face the newcomers. A red haired young man was leaning casually against the wall, fiddling with a lighter. A taller man with rust coloured hair stood with his arms folded as if he owned the place. The largest of the three was standing calmly beside him, his face blank. Erik Magnus Lensherr turned reluctantly to face them, a wave of despair threatening to wash over him. He ignored it and drew himself up. Professionalism; no thinking. Nope.

"And since when, Gambit, do your plans take priority over my summons? My intention was not to intefere with the free time that I admit I gave you, I call meetings for a reason. And Pyro, I would have to ask you again to use my codename when addressing me."

The two men nodded soberly. Satisfied with that, Magneto cleared his throat and launched the topic he had summoned them to discuss.

"As you all well know, we are currently playing host to a young woman. Regrettably, our hospitality can only extend so far. We ourselves have already outstayed our welcome. We will soon be leaving for a new destination and I do not believe our young guest will be accompanying us."

"We be leaving de fille behind?" Gambit demanded indignantly. Magneto fixed him with a warning stare.

"As a matter of fact, Gambit, no. She will join us temporarily, but her passage will end somewhere along the way. Where Mr. Creed cannot find her. I trust this meets your approval?"

Remy scowled, but nodded his head and fell silent.

"Excellent. I suggest any irreplaceable belongings be packed away immediately. Be ready to leave at a moment's notice. You are dismissed."

The three men nodded again and left the room. Magneto swung the door shut behind them. Now, for some quiet.

A little tune carried on the cold, still air. As absent-mindedly and quietly though it was hummed, the sound echoed around the empty room. Empty…except for the small huddle at the very far end of the room.

A teenage girl of slight build and with remarkable features such as two-toned hair and snowy white skin was lying in an awkward looking position with her back against the wall. Her head lay on her arm, which was held down by a chain that moulded into the floor. Her ankles were likewise restrained, forcing her to lie in a sort of right angle which didn't look comfortable at all.

Rogue stared unblinkingly straight ahead, an old Nirvana song in her throat. She may be able to lie down now, but sleep or no sleep, she didn't think she could stand much more of this.

Beautiful. Unusually so, but beautiful nonetheless. He stared at her, taking in every detail as though trying to lock it permanently in his brain. He wouldn't be able to tell whether or not she was sleeping, if not for the song that she was carelessly humming. She was lying absolutely motionless on the floor, her hair splayed over her face. She hadn't seen him come in, either that or she was ignoring him completely. Both were quite likely.

He couldn't believe he was going to miss her. She was just some girl, and much more stubborn and cutting than the femmes he was accustomed to. A few days ago, he had only ever laid eyes on her twice. But she fascinated him. He was going to miss just being able to come and see her at his will. He wasn't even sure if it was just an innocent curiosity any more.

"Are you going to stand there perving all night, or actually come over here and face me like a man?"

Remy grinned. Just ignoring him, then.

"As you wish, cher, I'm here to please."

He pushed himself away from the wall he'd been leaning on and sauntered over. The Southern belle wriggled into an upright position, looking up at him with, amazingly, a slightly less than hostile expression on her face.

'God, how bored am I?'

"So," she said resignedly. "Any particular reason you were standing there gawking at me, or is ogling young girls what you generally do with your spare time?"

"Nothing wrong wit' admiring the view is dere, chere? But actually, Remy did come to tell de Rogue somet'ing, but didn't have de heart to wake her."

"Wasn't sleepin'. But yeah, it's creepy to watch someone, especially if they don't know you're there."

"But you did."

"The point," Rogue continued dismissively, "is that you thought I didn't, which is disturbing and stalker-ish."

Remy had the gall to look offended, but it soon melted into his usual grin.

"Alright, alright, Remy is sorry. Forgive me?"

He tried to kiss her gloved fingertips, but she snatched them away.

"Never."

She turned her head away, as she couldn't fight a smile and would not give him the satisfaction of seeing it. No one made her smile.

"So get on with it, I've already seen too much of you."

"Oh, so harsh, so harsh, chere. What have I done to deserve it?"

Rogue shrugged. "Ask someone who cares. Now what do you want?"

"Oh, no. Remy knows when he's not wanted."

Grinning evilly, Remy turned and began to walk casually back towards the exit.

"Not funny, swamp rat. What were you going to tell me?"

"It's not important," the Cajun shrugged innocently. "Remy just wanted to say goodbye."

"LeBeau, get your ass back here and stop being a pain. What do you mean goodbye? Am I using too much oxygen to be kept alive anymore?"

He laughed, aggravating Rogue even more.

'Why did I have to get his attention in the first place?'

"Far from it. Non, we are leaving soon. De boss does not like stayin' put too long. Likes his privacy, dat man."

Rogue frowned. "So, what, you're all going to bugger off and leave me to follow the yellow brick road?"

"Really, cher," Gambit tutted. "Do you t'ink we care no more for you den dat?"

"I do actually. You're shit excuses for hosts."

"Non," Remy continued, as if she hadn't spoken, "You come along for a ride, oui? Not all de way, Magneto wouldn't risk dat. So we have a stop-off half way, more or less, and den return to de air, sadly femme-less."

"Oh, yeah, wonderful. Where you leaving me? The middle of the Sahara?"

"Magneto's call, dat is, chere. Nothing Remy could do even if he did know. But you will be safe, Monsieur Paranoia wouldn't…"

"Risk a confrontation, yeah, yeah. So you are ditching me then, just even further into nowhere, so I'll have no idea where I am?"

"So de big cat has no idea where you are," Remy corrected. "But shouldn' be too far from New York."

There was a silence for a moment as Rogue stared at Remy, thinking this over. She made a noise of disbelief.

"Uh, doesn't he realise I may be able to make it back to the institute without grievous bodily harm?"

"The point, unless I'm misunderstanding the whole reason for your visit," Remy smirked.

"Visit!"

The incredulity died from her face in a moment, and she resumed staring into space, a few creases lining her forehead.

"You're actually letting me go?" she sighed finally. "Just like that? What about the kids?"

A small frown passed his features for the first time since she'd seen him.

"Bucket Head requires their presence a little longer, unfortunately," he said, disapproval evident in his voice.

They fell into silence once more, both deep in thought.

Eventually Remy stood. He walked a few steps away, then as if deciding against it, turned around again.

"Remy will miss you, chere. You so different from de other filles, still beautiful, but so vicious, you stand up for yourself, and you aren't easy. Remy is fascinated, you've caught him well and truly. Remy t'inks he will see you again, there's still much he wants to learn about you."

He walked away again, leaving Rogue shocked into speechlessness. He was almost at the door when she called his name, as though trying out the sound. He looked at her.

"Don't call me chere."

(A/N: With Pietro's speech, I run it together with small sentences, cos that's how it sounds in the show, but with big things I'll separate it with dashes. Otherwise these indicate a slight pause.)

"Igetabsolutelynoappreciation-everythingidoforhim-doesheevennotice-imnothisgoddamnbabysitter!"

"Hey, mister, could you please talk a bit slower, cos I can't understand you!"

Pietro rounded fiercely on the little girl.

"Iwasn'ttalkingtoyou, justleavemealoneandwalk."

She giggled, unperturbed. Pietro's face darkened.

"Why do you talk like that?" she asked, sounding thoroughly amused. Pietro simply glared at her, then carried on down the corridor at top speed. Eva stayed where she was for a moment, looking innocently confused, then grinned and dashed after him. After her came a spookily calm little boy.

"Ese hombre loco," he muttered, not bothering to try catching up. (1)

Rogue sat bolt upright with a jolt of fear as her cell door was flung open so hard it bounced off the wall and slammed shut again. It opened again two seconds later, this time with a silver-haired, livid young man framed in the doorway.

Rogue sighed, annoyed at herself for being scared so easily.

"Oh, it's you. What do you want?"

"IwannacondemnthesebratstoeternitywithyouRoguey-you'llkillthembeforlong."

Rogue wrinkled her nose in confusion. Just then a whirlwind of black hair and childish excitement shot past him into the room.

"Hi Rogue! Are you better now? That man made you knocked-out, didn't he? We got tooken away."

Rogue smiled, surprised at how relieved she was to see the kids safe and sound. Max had now entered the room also, and was hovering shyly to one side.

"Where did they take you? What did they do to you? They didn't hurt you, right?"

In a flash Pietro was standing over her, looking completely put out.

"You'rekiddingme, youactuallygetonwiththem?Thisissounfair!"

"Well next time don't assume anything of me. If you were locked in a room with no other company, you'd get on with them too. Actually, no, you're too conceited for that," Rogue retorted irritably.

"Listen Roguey," Pietro said at a normal speed, and with a touch of guilt in his voice. "I didn't agree with this, ok? You may have betrayed us, but you were one of us once; I didn't want this to happen, but we aren't exactly asked our opinion on these things."

"You're no more than a traitor yourself, so don't you dare try and bring that back up. I didn't leave because I wanted to, I left because of Mystique and you know it. At least I have the guts to stand up for my rights."

"Itisforyourownsafety!" said Pietro heatedly, his words running together again in anger. "You-don't-get-it! You-don't-argue-with-Magneto! He-makes-the-decisions, we-do-the-work,and-you-know-something? We-don't-even-get-acknowledged-for-it! Do-you-think-I-enjoy-that? Going-against-my-friends? I'm-only-here-because-I-have-nowhere-else-to-go!"

"You shouldn't have left in the first place! Everything was fine until you left! No one can make you do anything, you made that choice! You've got no one to blame but yourself!"

"He's-my-father! He-doesn't-treat-me-any-different-from-the-others-but-he-is-my-father, he's-helped-me before, and-he's-not-the-kind-of-man-you-can-refuse."

Pietro took a breath, and with an effort, began to speak at normal speed again. "Everything was not fine. It hasn't been for ages. Since you left, as a matter of fact. We tried to pretend we didn't care, you were just another interfering X-man now and we didn't need you, but we were split, and nothing was the same after that."

"What was I supposed to do? Walk back in there, take her orders, do her cooking, just like I used to? How was I meant to look her in the face when I knew she could turn on me at any time, if I did something she didn't like? Please tell me you didn't expect me to go back to that? If I didn't join them, I would've had nowhere else to go."

"Whydidn'tyousaysobeforeyouleft, saygoodbye? Youjustbailed!"

"This isn't even about me! I don't know why we're even talking about this!"

"ThenwhatisitaboutRogue? Youjustwannaavoidtalkingaboutthingsthatactuallymatter."

"Well then you already know why I didn't, don't you Pietro?"

Pietro stared at her. At a glance her face showed fury, but Pietro saw hurt, hurt like no one could ever imagine; the story of her life. Of course he knew.

"You didn't want us to know you cared."

"Now get out."

"Rogue, I'm sorry…"

"Just go, Pietro, alright? It's too late for all that now."

A tear leaked out of her eye and was lost on her pale cheek. Her face remained as determined as ever. He hesitated, but knew that staying would only make things worse. He left without another word.

As he shut the door behind him, he jumped to see the children waiting out there patiently.

"WhatareyoudoingouthereIthoughtyouwerein…"

"Seemed like you wanted to be private," the little girl shrugged.

"Right," nodded Pietro, slightly taken aback. "Uh, thanks."

"That's ok."

They opened the door and re-entered the cell. Pietro locked the door behind them and sped off down the corridor, feeling extremely lost.

"Are you ok?"

Rogue looked up as she heard the door close again. Eva and Max were standing timidly next to it.

"Yes," she answered firmly. "And didn't you just come in before?"

"Pensamos que usted deseó estar solo," said Max. Rogue looked slightly pained.

"He said we thought you wanted to be alone," said Eva with a glare at her brother. "What were you fighting about anyway?"

"Nothing."

The children exchanged skeptical looks, but said nothing. Eva ran over to Rogue again, sat down very suddenly, and so close to Rogue she was almost squashed. She automatically put at least 20 centimeters between them.

They asked stuff about you," Eva said suddenly.

"Like what?" Rogue asked, surprised.

"What you'd been saying to us, if it was your idea to escape."

"One wanted to know you are ok. He asked does she talk about him," Max added, having now come to sit on his sister's other side. Rogue made an incoherent noise.

"What else did they do?"

"They gave us ejections," said Eva eagerly, brandishing her arm. It had several little red marks in the joint. "They shone a light in my eyes and took photos of our bones. They asked us what our powers were, jus' like you! They asked if Madre o Padre had powers." (2)

"Hicieron la tos Eva y consiguieron el humo en un envase," said Max. Eva looked apologetic.

"We've only been in this country for about 2 years," she explained. "Max remembers our language better. ¡Hable Inglés!" she added to him. (3)

"They made Eva cough and got the smoke in a container," Max repeated obediently.

"They were probably going to run tests to see if they could guess your power from the smoke. The man who had you brought here wants your powers on his side, cos he thinks they'll be big."

"How does he know that?"

"Because he…oh never mind."

The good thing about Eva was that, although she asked endless questions, she always knew when to quit. This gave Rogue a chance to try and think over the evening's happenings, while Max began to mutter in rapid Spanish to Eva.

They all looked up as the door was opened again. Rogue glared at it. It had better not be another Acolyte; she'd had more than her fill of them the past few days. She couldn't see anyone, but that didn't prove anything, Remy…Gambit, had been barely noticeable, and she wouldn't put it past any of the others to have the talent of invisibility either.

"Is there someone there Rogue?" Eva asked worriedly.

'How should I know?' Rogue thought, but shrugged instead and continued peering into the gloom.

"There's something moving over there," whispered Max, pointing to the far corner. Eva shrunk down next to Rogue as though hoping it wouldn't see her. Rogue, too, could now make out a shape moving, creeping towards them, like a huge…

"Go," she said suddenly, realising what it was. "Go, run, the door's open, get out of here!"

She heard a low snarl, and pushed Eva away from her just as the thing sprang into view and collided with her, slamming her head against the wall.

Rogue shut her eyes as white lights floated before them, and ducked to avoid a clawed fist.

"Logan'll kill you," she said shakily, but he punched her hard in the stomach and she retched.

"He can try."

His smirk revolted her; she never, ever wanted to be this close to him again. But the way things were going, that probably wasn't going to be a problem.

She dodged another swipe by rolling over as far as her chains would allow. He growled furiously and smacked her in the face. She lay there, unable to move as he stood and kicked her repeatedly in the side. She could vaguely hear screaming in the backround.

"You're…fucking…crazy…they'll…kill…you," she gasped. He punched her in the face again for good measure. He grabbed her by the arm, his whole fist fitting easily around it. He pulled her up by it, holding it so tight it was beginning to go numb. She struggled as best she could, but with her arms and legs chained, she was basically defenseless. Right where he wanted her. He let go of her arm and grabbed her by the throat instead. She gave a strangled cry.

"Where's Miss all-powerful now?" he sneered, his foul breath touching her face.

She barely heard him. Her mouth gaped wordlessly; her eyes rolled in their sockets. The room around her was darkening like when you turn down the contrast on a tv screen. Psyches were screaming in her head; it hurt so much she felt it would burst. Choked, gulping noises escaped her mouth as she gasped desperately for air.

Suddenly she hit the ground. She took a huge breath and began coughing uncontrollably as the oxygen rushed back into her lungs. She couldn't see, colours flashed beneath her closed eyelids, but she could hear a roar of fury, and flinched in fear. She felt a burst of heat, and then another. Thumping noises, getting fainter..foosteps, then a door slamming.

Panting, she forced her eyes open. Her head pounded, and the already blurred room spun. She leant carefully against the wall and shut her eyes again.

"Rogue!"

A shrill voice sounded from somewhere beside her. Her head throbbed. She willed it to stop.

"Rogue, please wake up! Why did that happen Rogue? I didn't mean to do it! What's wrong with me?"

Rogue very slowly opened one eye. Eva's panicked face swam into view.

"Huh?"

"I only meant to shout, I tried to shout for help, and, and, and…then all that fire came out! Why did it, I don't want that to happen to me! Why did it happen Rogue?"

Her voice was getting louder, and her lower lip was trembling.

"Please be quiet," Rogue muttered shakily. "What do you mean fire?"

"Fire came out of her mouth," whispered Max, sounding just as scared as Eva. "Like a dragon."

"D-dragon? Out of your mouth?" Rogue stammered. She was trying very hard to try and grasp some sort of explanation or reassurance, but she could hardly stay conscious as it was, let alone comfort a 10 year old whose mutant powers were to breath…wait.

"That's it," she sighed, relieved. "Remember how I told you you were a mutant and some day you would get special powers?"

Eva nodded anxiously.

"What you just did, I think it's your power, they manifested…and you saved me."

"M-my powers?"

"Yes, I think it is, that's why you would have smoke…"

"Won't it burn me? And other people? Every time I try to yell, fire might come! I don't want that to happen, Rogue, I'm scared!"

"Don't worry, you'll…be able…to control them, people can…teach you how," Rogue said. And promptly passed out.

Whew! I'm so proud of myself (just won't think about the abandonment). Hope you all liked this, sorry if the Sabes-attack thing is getting old. Bet you didn't expect Eva to save Rogue right? Mwa ha ha ha! Well, I'm really sorry again for leaving this so long, it won't be like that next time. Only 2 chapters to go now!

1: That man's crazy

2: Mama or Papa

3: Speak English!