New Beginnings
By: Krystopher
A/N: Extremely AU. First movie only (no Stryker, no Gambit, no Nightcrawler). Toad got hit by lightening but was then found and taken in by Robbie, he was contacted by the Professor, escaped Robbie. Rogue is no longer with Bobby. That's our story so far.
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" We have a new… student coming to join us. He'll be here shortly and I want no argument from anyone. He doesn't remember much about his life before six weeks ago." Professor Xavier warned his staff moments before the doorbell rang on the gate.
The gates were opened and it was mere seconds later that a knock came on the door. Scott moved to open the door but was beaten by Rogue who had already been coming out of the Rec. Room when the knock sounded.
" Toad?" She questioned, Toad's face triggering memories that she had floating in her head from Magneto.
" Do I… Do I know you?" He questioned sadly hoping that the answer was no and that she only knew that someone named Toad was supposed to be coming today.
Rogue smiled ruefully, stepping back and letting the man in. " In a way." At Toad's crestfallen look Rogue hurried to assure him. " We've never been properly introduced. I'm Rogue." The girl stuck one gloved hand out to him and Toad took it tentatively.
" Toad." He answered, looking behind her to the unobtrusive presence weighing on his mind.
" Hello Toad. It's lovely to see you again." Professor Xavier was the epitome of politeness, smiling at the befuddled young man.
" I'm afraid-"
" It's perfectly alright." At those words a sudden growl was heard from Wolverine's throat and Scott's hand flew to his visor. Logan's claws ripped from between his knuckles as he lunged forward. He just barely managed to stop short as Rogue stepped in front of Toad, eyes blazing as she blocked his body from the X-men's attack.
" Rogue move." Logan growled as he tried to move around her.
" Professor?" Rogue questioned the man silently, getting the details concerning Toad's being there. Her eyes never left Logan's and her body never moved. " This way." She led Toad down the hall, explaining a few things about the school as she went.
" What is he doing here?" Ororo questioned icily. Jean took a deep breath, having been holding it since she had seen Toad's face.
" He is our new student. Thanks to Magneto forcing Rogue to drain him, we have more information on Toad than he does at this point. You will treat him as regular student. His memory of events in his life are shady at best."
" So?" Logan grumbled, sheathing his claws at Professor Xavier's silent command.
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" And this is the room you'll be staying in. The Professor will call you in a little bit and discuss your schedule, I'm sure."
" Thank you…" Rogue had done her best during this trip to ignore the anger and hate that had taken up lodging in her chest. The tight ball of pain loosened more at the confused look on Toad's face.
" What is it?"
" You said you knew stuff about me but we'd never met." Rogue cast her eyes down and to the side. Toad instantly regretted the question. " Never mind, I'm sorry. Thank you."
" It's a long story." She waited a moment as Toad stood frozen in the open doorway. Rogue smiled up at him, " Aren't you going to invite me in?"