There was a shadow on the water when I looked back. I know, I know, I was supposed to be flying the plane. But it was Dr. Grey. I had to take one last look. And that's when I saw the shadow.

I never mentioned it to anyone. I didn't think it was my place. I'm sure the professor knows I saw it, but I didn't think it was my place to see it.

There was a shadow on the water, and just before I looked away it started to boil.

I look at the picture on the memorial the professor had erected for Dr. Grey in the hall. Closing my eyes I can almost feel her. Not quite, but almost. Her passion, her fire. Her powers that were growing every day.

Come to my office. The professor's voice sounds in my head.

I turn away from the photo, and walk through the mansion, expecting to meet up with my fellow X-men as I walk, but none join me. I step into his office and take my seat across from him. "Yes professor?" I ask.

"You're right. I saw it with you." He tells me.

"Did the others?"

"No. I don't suppose you've gathered it's meaning?"

"Not really."

"She's not dead anymore." He whispers.

My eyes widen. "How?"

"For as long as I knew her, I watched Jean Grey's powers grow stronger and stronger. I feared they would one day burn through her very being. Ten months ago today, my fears were confirmed.

"But through your eyes I saw an altogether different possibility. I saw the shadow of a bird on the water, with the core bubbling, building.

"I've kept a close watch on Alkali Lake ever since, and this morning, the shadow coalesced."

"I don't understand."

"She's alive Rogue. I don't know how, and I don't know why, but she's alive."

"Why are you telling me?"

"You already suspected. I need you to go get her."

"Why me?"

"Please don't take this the wrong way, but of all the X-men, you had the least personal contact with Jean. Most of your interactions were a bit more formal. Add to this the strengths you gained after the fight with Carol Danvers, I believe you are the best person to bring her home."

I look at him carefully. "What aren't you telling me Professor?"

"Most of her memory is either gone or coming in spurts. She can't control her powers. She's hidden herself in the forest."

"You're sending me because of what happened after Carol, aren't you?"

"Rogue –

"Professor, I can barely get through a full day without her surfacing at least once. She's there, I accept that, but I'm not ready to help someone else deal with a hidden personality."

"You're the only one who can."

I close my eyes, knowing he's right. "Where is she?"

"In the forest on the shore of the lake."

"When do I leave?"

"As soon as possible."

I enter my room and pack a small bag. The professor is arranging for food and water to be put in the trunk of the car I'm taking with me. I close my eyes as I feel him at the door. Should've closed it. I think, chastising myself for thinking I could get away before he figured out something was up. "What do you want Logan?"

He moves into the room and stands on the other side of the bed on which I'm packing. "Why you runnin' again? I thought you were doin' better with Carol."

"I am. I just have an errand to run for the professor."

"That involves packin' enough clothes to last a month?" he indicates the adaptable wardrobe I've assembled.

"Yeah."

"Give me five minutes. I'm comin'."

"You can't."

"Wheels swore he wouldn't send you out alone on a mission until you had her under wraps darlin'."

"Don't do this Logan."

"You swore you wouldn't accept any until then."

"This isn't a mission. It's an errand." That could get me killed by one of our friends.

"You're lyin'."

I close my eyes and stare at my now packed bag.

"What're you runnin' from Marie?"

I open my eyes and look at him again, zipping the bag. "I'm sorry Logan. I know I promised to talk to you whenever something came up, whenever I was struggling with her, but I can't this time. This time…" I trail off.

"Is it me?"

I feel the tears build up in my eyes as I think back to the night before, remembering the feel of his lips on mine as we finally admitted to wanting one another. "God no. Logan, you're oxygen to me. I have to do this. I have to go."

The car is ready. I'll talk to the Wolverine once you're gone.

Thank you professor. "Logan, I'm sorry." I grab the bag and turn away from him and begin walking to the garage. I get to the car before he stops me.

"Are you coming back?" he asks, brushing the hair out of my eyes and cupping my face with his hand.

I nod. "As soon as I can. I know this is a bad time to leave, but you know I wouldn't if it wasn't important." I lock eyes with him. "You can't follow me sugar. It's more important than anything that you don't follow me. The professor wants to talk to you about this. I don't know what he's going to tell you, or where he's going to say I'm going. I promise to be safe, and I promise that if I start to lose control of her I'll have the professor send you."

He leans down and kisses me softly, then turns and walks out of the garage. I blink away the tears, and climb into the little Ferrari and drive off.